HOMEPAGE – CASES DETAILS

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in Mid Age Patient

December 15, 2024

Patient History:

  • Mrs. Fatima Ahmed presented to Dr. Ali Imran with a six-month history of persistent pain, stiffness, and swelling in her hands and knees, particularly in the mornings.
  • She reported experiencing stiffness lasting more than an hour upon waking and general fatigue that impacted her daily activities.
  • She mentioned that previous treatments provided minimal relief.

Diagnostic Workup:

  • Dr. Ali Imran performed a comprehensive physical examination, focusing on joint tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
  • He reviewed Mrs. Ahmed’s medical history, inquiring about any potential risk factors for RA.
  • To confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Imran ordered laboratory tests, including:
    • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
    • C-reactive protein (CRP)
    • Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Start of Treatment:

  • Based on the diagnostic workup, Dr. Ali Imran diagnosed Mrs. Ahmed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  • He developed a personalized treatment plan tailored to her specific needs, including:
    • Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): The specific DMARD(s) chosen would depend on Mrs. Ahmed’s profile and potential side effects.
    • Corticosteroids: These were likely prescribed for short-term, rapid control of inflammation.
    • Physiotherapy Sessions: A crucial component to improve joint mobility, flexibility, and strength.

Treatment Progress:

  • After three months of adhering to the treatment plan, Mrs. Ahmed experienced significant improvement. Her joint pain and swelling substantially reduced, leading to increased mobility.
  • By the six-month mark, her blood tests revealed normalized inflammation markers (ESR, CRP). This indicates a significant reduction in disease activity.
  • Most importantly, Mrs. Ahmed regained her ability to perform daily activities without discomfort, considerably enhancing her quality of life.

Conclusion:

This case study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and a personalized treatment approach in managing chronic conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mrs. Ahmed’s successful outcome emphasizes the positive impact of:

  • Early intervention: Seeking medical attention upon noticing initial symptoms can significantly improve long-term prognosis.  
  • Patient compliance: Adhering to the prescribed medications and physiotherapy sessions is vital for optimal results.
  • Regular follow-up appointments: Monitoring disease activity and adjusting treatment plans as needed ensures long-term disease control.
What Are My Options for Treatment
Mrs. Fatima responded exceptionally well to treatment due to her commitment to the plan and the timely diagnosis. Her case exemplifies the value of early intervention in managing rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.

Patient Info:

Patient Name

Mrs. Fatima Ahmed

Age

42 Years

address

Bahawalpur, Punjab

Phone

03001234567

email

fatima42@yahoo.com