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Published on: September 5, 2017
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Neglected tropical rheumatic diseases
Rasmi Ranjan Sahoo1, Anupam Wakhlu1, Vikas Agarwal2
1Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospitals, Lucknow, 226012, India.
Clinical Rheumatology
|February 10, 2022
Summary
Rheumatic diseases in the tropics present diagnostic challenges due to limited resources and mimicry by infectious diseases. Awareness of these rheumatic manifestations of tropical diseases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases in tropical regions face complexities from inadequate healthcare infrastructure and diagnostic challenges.
- Numerous tropical diseases exhibit musculoskeletal and rheumatic symptoms, often confusing rheumatologists.
- Delayed or misdiagnosed conditions lead to adverse patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight the rheumatic manifestations of various tropical diseases.
- To increase awareness among healthcare providers regarding these presentations.
- To emphasize the importance of considering infectious mimics in rheumatic disease diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on rheumatic manifestations of tropical diseases.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges and mimicry by infectious agents.
- Synthesis of information on specific endemic diseases and viral infections.
Main Results:
- Tropical diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV infection present with diverse rheumatic symptoms.
- Viral infections, such as chikungunya, can trigger or perpetuate autoimmune responses mimicking classic rheumatic syndromes.
- Presentations can resemble rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vasculitis.
Conclusions:
- Identifying infectious diseases with rheumatic manifestations in the tropics is critical.
- Healthcare providers must differentiate tropical infections from primary rheumatic conditions.
- Enhanced awareness can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management in tropical settings.
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