Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treatment: The Stem Cell Revolution
It will not be an
exaggerated statement to declare that more than 3 million children are
suffering with one of the several forms of arthritis, only in developed countries.
As a matter of fact, amongst many identified forms, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is the
most common form, that is bothering children below 16 years of age. It is
generally referred as the spontaneous exhibition of arthritic pain without any
known or unknown cause.
The Juvenile
Idiopathic Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which triggers inflammation in
synovial lining of affected joints. The exact antibodies that have been
directed against the destruction of this synovial lining as a self are still a
matter of debate, but the disorder has more obvious environmental linkups than
genetic predisposition.
Some of the
common signs and symptoms of JIA can be featured as:
·
Sudden observation of red,
inflamed and painful joints
·
Stiff joints with limited
movements
·
Limping gait that is more
apparent in the morning
·
Persistent lower back pain
Some kinds of
systemic symptoms, which can also affect other parts of body, hence should be
noted are as:
·
Swollen lymph nodes identified
as lymphoadenopathy
·
Malaise
·
Fever
·
Redness of joints
It has as well
been investigated that symptoms are not only limited to joints but are as well
spread to other vital organs, such as eyes, skin, etc. Hence, if anyone notices
constant redness of the eye, changes in the visual acuity, skin rash, and
inflamed joints; then it needs immediate medical attention.
Conventionally,
systemic diseases like arthritis are commonly offered steroidal,
anti-inflammatory medicines and physiotherapy or joint replacement therapy in
more severe forms. However, before opting for any treatment, it should be noted
that long term consumption of steroidal medicines are proven to be harmful,
giving rise to other complications. On the other side, joint replacement
therapy has all the more complications, associated with opportunistic
infections, systemic immune reaction, organ rejection, etc.
As a result of
technological advancements and scientific research, many new treatment
modalities have come up like stem cells therapy, which have been endorsed by medical
and science community as a potential, risk free alternative to costly conventional
treatments.
Stem cells are
the unique cells of our body and are highly acknowledged for their ability to
differentiate into multiple cells types. These stem cells are present in adult
body and are excited through signals. When in a diseased condition, the organ
undergoes severe specific cellular loss; it sends signals for resident stem cells to undergo multiple targeted
divisions. Thus, accordingly stem cells are identified to be the saviours in
restoring the cellular function back.
Recently
targeted delivery of stem cells cocktail, isolated from
adipose tissue, more commonly identified as fat and their enrichment through
patient’s own platelet rich plasma; has found to be exhibiting staggering
recovery; in patients suffering with arthritis and other joint disorders.
Although each
day brings in a new hope and new discoveries in the world of stem cells and
regenerative medicine; currently, focused infusion of PRP enriched autologous
stem cells is the most reasonable way to treat ailments, such as arthritis.
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