Sharpe syndrome: what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment

Sharpe syndrome (MCTD) is a connective tissue disease that is a rare autoimmune disorder with signs and symptoms of various diseases: lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis.

In this disease, the body's immune system attacks the cells of its own body, which leads to many negative consequences.

Causes of occurrence

The disease is caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system produces antibodies against the tissues of its own body. In the ICD database, the reasons for this phenomenon are still unknown and are still being studied by scientists.

According to some hypotheses, genetic factors play an important role in the onset of the disease.

Also provoking factors can be side effects of medications, mental disorders and hormonal imbalances.

Sharpe syndrome symptoms

Sharpe's syndrome usually has symptoms of other diseases such as lupus, systemic scleroderma, and most of the autoimmune system diseases.

Symptoms of the disease are usually do not appear immediately, but consistently for several years. Often complications of the disease lead to other diseases of the joints, muscle tissues, skin (see. photo above).

About 90% of people with this disease develop Raynaud's syndrome. It is a condition characterized by severe bouts of cold, numb fingers that turn blue, white, or purple.

Disorders of autoimmune disease lead to the destruction of one or more types of body tissues, abnormal growth or changes in the function of any organs.

Organs and tissues that are commonly affected include blood components such as red blood cells, blood vessels, connective tissues, endocrine glands, the thyroid gland, or pancreas, muscles, joints and skin.

Often, one person has more than one autoimmune disease, and the person has an increased susceptibility to bacterial infection. Among the patients, there were complaints of pain in the knee joints.

Also characteristic of Sharp's syndrome is the appearance of a disease of the pulmonary tract.

Additional symptoms vary from person to person, but some of the more common include:

• fatigue;
• fever;
• joint pain;
• rash;
• swelling of the joints;
• muscle weakness;
• chest pain;
• inflammation of the stomach;
• acid reflux;
• labored breathing;
• hardening or tightening of skin patches;
• swollen hands.

Diagnostics

The disease is difficult to diagnose because of the extensive symptoms of other diseases. Also, due to the fact that the disease does not manifest itself immediately, at different periods there may be symptoms of different diseases.

Diagnosis of Sharp's syndrome usually begins with an examination of the blood vessels: circulatory disorders and circulatory system conditions can be indicators of disease triggers. symptoms characteristic of collagenosis with Raynaud's syndrome.

To make a diagnosis, a specialist must conduct a physical examination of the affected areas of the body. You also need to take a detailed history of family history of the disease.

Laboratory diagnostics includes tests such as:

• general analyzes: blood, urine (normal quantity ESR);
• biochemical blood test: changes in the rates of fibrin, globulin, sialic acids, aldolase, seromucoid, AST;
• immunological analysis: the presence of antibodies to ribonucleoprotein, the presence of LE cells.

Sharpe syndrome treatment

A rheumatologist will select the right treatment method depending on the patient's health condition. It is also recommended to visit a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist and cardiologist.

This is due to the presence of symptoms of other diseases.

Drug treatment

This disease is treated with drugs, the earlier the disease is diagnosed and treatment is started, the easier it is to recover from it.

Medicines used to treat MCTD include:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):Ibuprofen and Naproxen, against joint pain and inflammation;
• corticosteroids. Steroid medications such as Prednisone, designed to fight inflammation, prevent antibodies from attacking healthy cells and tissues. Since taking them can lead to many side effects such as high blood pressure, cataracts, mood swings and weight gain, these are usually only used for short periods of time to avoid long-term risks;
• calcium channel blockers. Medicines such as Nifedipine and Amlodipinehelp against symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome;
• immunosuppressants. People with severe illness may require long-term treatment with immunosuppressants, which are drugs that suppress the immune system. These drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the possibility of malformations that threaten the normal development of the fetus;
• medicines for treatment of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure). Pulmonary hypertension is the leading cause of death among people with Sharpe syndrome. Doctors may prescribe medications such as Bosentan or Sildenafilto prevent worsening pulmonary hypertension.

Surgery

Sharp's symptom is treated medically and does not require surgery.

Complementary and alternative home treatments

Diets for Sharp syndrome and etiology rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease play an essential role. Scientific studies have shown that dietary changes can prevent the symptoms of other diseases in the syndrome from developing. It is recommended to include foods rich in:

• fatty acids: fish oil, butter, eggs, poultry;
• vitamins C and D. Reducing the intake of fruits and vegetables and dietary vitamin C can lead to the development of inflammatory polyarthritis. Vitamin D suppresses inflammatory processes, reducing the increased activity of immune cells involved in the autoimmune response;
• flavonoids: affects the activity of enzymes. Luteolin and apigenin have antihistamines and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids obtained from plants are inhibitors of various intracellular processes, in particular, phosphorylation processes and potential inhibitors of cellular autoimmunity.

Folk medicine

You can also maintain health in case of illness using folk methods.

The roots of the thorny plant Eleutherococcus can help reduce inflammation and boost immunity. In order to prepare the tincture, you need to finely chop the roots of the plant and pour 850 mg boiled water. The tincture should be kept for two weeks in a cool and dark place.

After the drink is infused, you need to strain the solution and pour into a bottle and store in the refrigerator. The tincture must be taken 2 times a day a teaspoon every day.

When treating rheumatic diseases it is also recommended to drink herbal teas and nettle tinctures. Nettle decoction ingredients:

• nettle leaves;
• cornflower flowers;
• willow bark;
• chamomile flowers;
• birch leaves;
• horsetail herb.

All ingredients must be finely chopped and poured with a liter of hot boiling water. The broth should be infused for about 20 minutes, and then boil for about 5 minutes. The tincture must be filtered and taken 2 times a day in a glass.

Prophylaxis

As with preventing the onset of any disease, it is important to monitor the physical and psychological state of health. Doctors recommend:

• exercise regularly: moderate levels of physical activity four to five times a day a week will help improve muscle strength, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases;
• eat right: follow a diet designed for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which excludes fatty foods (fast food, fried foods) and foods with a large amount of sugar;
• Monitor your hands: Protecting your hands from the cold can lower your chances of having a Raynaud's outbreak.

Prognosis for Sharpe Syndrome

Despite the complex spectrum of symptoms, Sharpe syndrome is usually not overly severe. Most people can improve their health with medication and lifestyle changes.

Your healthcare provider should develop a long-term treatment protocol that works best for your symptoms.

Various complications and long-term consequences can occur during the course of the disease. If the disease remains untreated, mixed diseases of the connective tissue of the skin and polyarthritis with painful changes and vascular diseases may appear.

Related Videos