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[Behavior of the complement components C3 and C4, C-reactive protein and blood sedimentation rate for activity
Insights
Daily 37°C thermal baths improved joint function in rheumatoid arthritis patients over 3 weeks. However, key inflammation markers like C3, C4 complement components, C-reactive protein, and blood sedimentation rate showed no significant changes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Physical Medicine
Context:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation and damage.
- Current RA management often involves pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy.
- The role of thermal therapy in modulating RA inflammatory markers requires further investigation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effect of daily thermal baths on inflammatory markers and joint function in male RA patients.
- To assess changes in complement components (C3, C4), C-reactive protein (CRP), and blood sedimentation rate (ESR) during thermal therapy.
Summary:
- Twenty-one male patients with established RA underwent daily 37°C thermal baths for three weeks.
- No significant alterations were observed in C3, C4 complement levels, CRP, or ESR, indicating no direct modulation of systemic inflammation.
- A significant improvement in joint function was reported, suggesting a beneficial effect on physical capacity.
Impact:
- Thermal therapy may offer symptomatic relief and functional improvement in RA patients, independent of systemic inflammatory marker reduction.
- This suggests that thermal baths can be a valuable adjunct to standard RA treatment (physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy).
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind functional improvement and to explore its long-term efficacy.
Abstract:
21 male patients suffering since years from classical rheumatoid arthritis were treated with daily thermal baths of 37 degrees Celsius temperature during a 3 week period. To control the activity of the rheumatoid inflammation we used the complement components C3 and C4, the C-reactive protein and the blood sedimentation rate. No changes in the different activity parameters could be found during the course of the treatment. Joint function improved significantly. Therefore the combined treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with physio- and pharmacotherapy is recommended.