Case study 3: Beth was diagnosed with this condition when she delivered her firs
ID: 89369 • Letter: C
Question
Case study 3: Beth was diagnosed with this condition when she delivered her first baby (she had a very difficult time getting pregnant). It is a genetic illness, and does run in Beth's family. (One in 133 people have this illness in the U.S., but it is a common genetic condition found around the world.) Digestive symptoms may have been present when Beth was younger (she remembers a lot of stomach aches and abdominal pain as a child), but now her issues are persistent iron-deficiency anemia that can be treated but recurs. She also has joint pains recently diagnosed as arthritis. Beth is breast-feeding her infant and hopes to do so for at least a full year, as breast feeding seems to reduce risks for this condition in children. Although the baby has no symptoms, Beth is introducing only wheat-free foods, and is careful to read all food labels---she does this for herself, too, as she tries to avoid a protein found in wheat. The less of this protein she eats, the better for her. Other potential risks for Beth are osteoporosis, and even risks for thyroid or liver disease. What is Beth's condition? What treatments can be of benefit to Beth? Why is dietary treatment often difficult with this condition?Explanation / Answer
Beth is suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure for RA. The goal of treatment is to improve ability to perform day to day activities and joint pain and swelling. Starting medicines can help preventing joints from possibly permanent damage. No single treatment works for all patients. They should first begin treatment with DMARDs. These drugs not only they've symptoms but also allow progression of the joint damage. Doctors also prescribe NSAIDs or low dose corticosteroids to lower swelling and pain.