- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis
Characteristic symptoms of Common Autoimmune Musculoskeletal disorders:
Each disease presents its own unique features . However, many share a set of common symptoms, including:
- Arthritis: swelling, pain, stiffness, joint deformity, spinal deformity.
- Extra-articular manifestations: butterfly rash (lupus), spoon nails or peeling nails (Psoriatic Arthritis), muscle weakness (Polymyositis), intestinal lesions.
- Systemic manifestations: fatigue, persistent fever, weight loss.
- Systemic symptoms: pericarditis, pneumonia, kidney damage (nephrotic syndrome, kidney failure), nerve damage.
Common populations affected by Autoimmune musculoskeletal disorders:
- Individuals fall within the demographic of young or middle-aged women.
- Individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
- Individuals who are frequently exposed to immune-triggering factors, such as cigarette smoke, environmental pollution, and chemicals.
- Individuals with a history of infections or exposure to certain viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), etc.
- Individuals who regularly smoke, drink alcohol, use stimulants; work high-stress jobs, stay up late for long periods of time…are factors that increase the risk of disease.
Diagnostic methods for Autoimmune musculoskeletal disorders:
- Clinical examination: The doctor takes into account the patient’s medical history and assesses signs of joint inflammation, extra-articular lesions, characteristic deformities, and range of motion limitations.
- Test: Blood test, joint fluid analysis,.. help detect the presence of autoimmune antibodies and evaluate abnormalities.
- Diagnostic imaging: joint ultrasound, joint X-ray, MRI or CT Scan,...to detect and assess lesions.
- Biopsy: Skin, muscle, and kidney biopsies to diagnose disease and assess organ lesions in dermatomyositis, polymyositis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis.
Treatment Methods for Autoimmune musculoskeletal diseases at Hong Ngoc General Hospital:
Based on each patient's condition and medical history, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.
1. Conservative Treatment
- Basic treatment:
+ Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, HCQ, sulfasalazine, leflunomide. + Biologic agents targeting TNFα or IL-17 inhibitors: Advanced treatment methods are being applied at Hong Ngoc General Hospital for patients with ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis who do not respond to DMARDs. These drugs help "inhibit" the overreaction of the immune system, improve arthritis symptoms, limit joint destruction, and preserve joint function.
- Symptomatic treatment:
+ Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, corticoid.
+ Local corticosteroid injections are applied in cases of chronic peripheral arthritis or enthesitis.
+ Topical medications are used to treat skin lesions.
- Physiotherapy: Combining therapeutic exercises and advanced treatment technologies to increase strength and flexibility of muscles, bones, and joints.
2. Surgical treatment
Hong Ngoc General Hospital performs surgery for cases of joint ankylosis complications that do not respond to conservative treatment.
Examination process at the Musculoskeletal Department – Hong Ngoc General Hospital:
- Step 1: Clinical examination by a specialist.
- Step 2: Perform paraclinical tests (MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, ect.) as prescribed.
- Step 3: The physician diagnoses the condition, determines the disease progression, and formulates an individualized treatment protocol.
- Step 4: Monitoring and managing the condition at home.
In addition, the Musculoskeletal Department collaborates with the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, the Orthopedic Trauma Unit, and other relevant departments in certain cases to develop comprehensive and effective treatment protocols for patients.
Why choose Hong Ngoc General Hospital for the examination and treatment of Autoimmune diseases?
At Hong Ngoc’s Musculoskeletal Department, patients will receive high-quality medical care through a comprehensive and personalized approach:
- 1:1 consultations with a team of experienced Associate Professors, PhDs, Masters, and Level I & II Specialists, many of whom have trained at various national central hospitals and leading international institutions.
- Constant updates on conservative treatment techniques, optimizing both outcomes and cost for patients.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, including the 2560-slide CT scanner (Revolution Apex Elite 3.0), SIGNA Prime MRI system, Logiq P7 musculoskeletal ultrasound, and digital X-ray machines enabling early detection of complex conditions.
- Personalized follow-up schedules with proactive appointments reminders for each patient.
- A clean, comfortable hospital environment enhanced with modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and Buffet service, an on-site café, restaurants,…
- Weekend services with no extra fees.
- Fast and efficient direct billing insurance procedures, ensuring maximum benefits for patients.
