Five cases of seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis improved with biological therapy

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Persistent inflammatory monoarthritis is defined as joint inflammation lasting over 3 months.
• Diagnosis and early treatment are challenging due to a lack of established criteria.
• Many cases remain undiagnosed or classified as nonspecific arthritis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) for treating seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis.
• To assess the potential of bDMARDs in preventing joint destruction in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Case series of five patients with seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis affecting the knee or ankle.
• Standard diagnostic procedures including joint punctures and negative bacterial/mycobacterial cultures.
• Treatment with conventional therapies (steroids, NSAIDs) was insufficient.
• Administration of bDMARDs to evaluate treatment response.

Main Results:

• Conventional treatments like oral steroids and NSAIDs showed limited efficacy, with one patient experiencing joint destruction progression.
• bDMARDs demonstrated a remarkable improvement in symptoms for all treated patients.
• The use of bDMARDs effectively prevented further joint destruction.

Conclusions:

• Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are a promising therapeutic option for seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis.
• bDMARDs can significantly improve clinical outcomes and halt disease progression in this patient group.
• Further research is warranted to establish treatment guidelines for seronegative persistent inflammatory monoarthritis.