Relapsing Polychondritis

Presented by: Fatima Ahmed

Name: Fatima Ahmed
Registration ID: 70092280
Assignment: Dietetics
Section: A
Topic: Relapsing Polychondritis:
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
Description
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a severe, episodic, and
progressive inflammatory condition involving cartilaginous
structures, predominantly those of the ears, nose, and
laryngotracheobronchial tree. Other affected structures may
include the eyes, cardiovascular system, peripheral joints,
skin, middle and inner ear, and central nervous system.
The array of possible presenting symptoms and the episodic
nature of relapsing polychondritis may result in a significant
delay in diagnosis. In addition, no laboratory findings are
specific for relapsing polychondritis. (Nicholas Compton &
Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, 2020)
Etiology:
The exact cause of relapsing polychondritis is not known. It is
thought to be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disorders
are caused when the body’s natural defenses against “foreign” or
invading organisms (e.g., antibodies) begin to attack healthy
tissue for unknown reasons. Some cases may be linked to
abnormal reactions by blood cells (serum antibodies), to a
thyroid protein (thyroglobulin), organ wall (parietal) cells,
adrenal cells, or thyroid. Symptoms of relapsing polychondritis
may arise when autoantibodies attack human cartilage.
Some researchers believe that relapsing relapsing polychondritis
may be caused by an immunologic sensitivity to type II collagen,
a normal substance found in skin and connective tissue.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of relapsing polychondritis usually begin
with the sudden onset of pain, tenderness and swelling
of the cartilage of one or both ears. This inflammation
may spread to the fleshy portion of the outer ear
causing it to narrow. Attacks may last several days to
weeks before subsiding. Middle ear inflammation can
cause obstruction of the eustachian tube. Recurrent
attacks may lead to hearing loss.
Nasal chondritis may be marked by cartilage collapse
at the bridge of the nose resulting in a saddle nose
deformity, nasal stuffiness or fullness and crusting.
Inflammation of both large and small joints can occur.
Classic symptoms of pain and swelling are like those of
arthritis.
Involvement of the cartilage of the larynx and
bronchial tubes may cause breathing and speech
difficulties.
Heart valve abnormalities may occur.
Relapsing polychondritis may also cause kidney
inflammation and dysfunction
Genetics:
Genetic factors are believed to be implicated in the
pathogenesis of relapsing polychondritis (RP).
However, the molecular genetic determinants remain
to be elucidated. (Zhang, 2020)
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is not passed through
families in a clear-cut fashion. Most people with
relapsing polychondritis do not have affected relatives
Like many other autoimmune conditions, RP is likely a
multifactorial condition which is associated with the
effects of multiple genes in combination with lifestyle
and environmental factors. In general, having a first
degree relative (for example a parent, child, or sibling)
with an autoimmune condition may increase your
personal risk for developing an autoimmune
condition. Unfortunately, no specific risk estimates are
available for relapsing polychondritis.
 Treatment:
The primary goals of treatment for people with relapsing
polychondritis (RP) are to relieve present symptoms and to
preserve the structure of the affected cartilage. The main
treatment for RP is corticosteroid therapy with prednisone to
decrease the severity, frequency and duration of relapses.
Higher doses are generally given during flares, while lower doses
can typically be prescribed during periods of remission. Other
medications reported to control symptoms include dapsone,
colchicine, azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide,
hydroxychloroquine, cyclosporine and infliximab.
People who develop severe heart or respiratory complications
may require surgery.
Nutritional intervention:
Flaxseed: Have a high amount of Omega-3,
phytonutrient, and antioxidants that help hormone
balance, cellular health. within the Flaxseed helps
inflammation.
Green Tea: Contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols
that help the adverse effects of inflammation.
Turmeric: Have high levels of the anti-inflammatory
property Curcumin. The Curcumin within Turmeric is
a strong anti-inflammatory.
Cantaloupe: This fruit on a vine has plenty of anti-
inflammatory phytonutrients and contains high
amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C.
Avocado: Contain anti-inflammatory fatty acids that
may suppress the effects of two chemicals in the body
that cause inflammation.
Walnuts: The high omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants,
and anti-inflammatory help protect your body against
metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular ailments, and
type two diabetes
Lemon: Has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory vitamin C. Lemons contain
a dietary component necessary for the synthesis of collagen. It is collagen
that helps to build and repair blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons.
Berries and Cherries: Contain the strong anti-inflammatory Quercetin and
antioxidants such as anthocyanins. The anti-inflammatory of Berries and
Cherries protect against diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and dementia.
Pineapple: Is high in anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain. Bromelain is
used is reduce inflammation, treat hay fever, slow clotting, and prevent
pulmonary edema.
Kale: Is high in vitamin K, contains 45 antioxidants and
anti-inflammatory flavonoids which make it an anti-
inflammatory powerhouse.
Garlic: Contains a high amount of anti-inflammatory
sulfur-containing compounds. The enzymes in Garlic are
great because they fight viruses and clear out the sinuses.
Broccoli: Is high in both Potassium and Magnesium. It
contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidants
phytonutrients that work to lower oxidative stress in the
body and help battle chronic inflammation
References:
Hypgal blog . (2017, Septmeber ). Retrieved from
https://www.hypogalblog.com/alternative-
medicine/what-are-the-best-anti-inflammatory-foods-to-
eat/
Nicholas Compton, M., & Chief Editor: Herbert S
Diamond, M. (2020). Emedicine. Retrieved from
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331475-
overview
Zhang, e. F. (2020). Genetic basis of relapsing
polychondritis revealed by family‐based whole‐exome.
Junm.
Thankyou