Search

A differential approach to the use of selected methods of radon therapy (including dry air and water baths with different radon concentrations) is proposed for the treatment of different nosological forms of seronegative spondyloarthritis taking into consideration their varying clinical manifestations (arthritis, enthesitis, spondylitis), the degree of general clinical activity, functional state, and severity of inflammation (based on laboratory analyses).

A rehabilitative complex combining radon baths and ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields exerted a well-apparent beneficial effect on the clinical picture of articular and vertebral syndromes and greatly contributed to the correction of disturbances in the immune system of patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis. At the same time, combination of radon baths with low-frequency ultrasound treatment and hydrocortisone ultraphonophoresis reduced clinical activity of the disease, improved the patients' immune status, and had more prominent general anti-inflammatory action than the same physical factors applied as monotherapy.

Radon therapy of seronegative spondylitis in 213 patients proved much more efficient than symptomatic drug therapy due to its beneficial effect on peripheral arthritis and enthesitis. It stimulated cellular immunity and improved the quality of life in patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis to a higher degree compared with medicamentous treatment.

Fifty patients with ankylosing spondylarthritis (AS) and 21 patients with reactive arthritis, Reiter's disease received peloid therapy. AS patients with a prevalent spinal lesion received mud applications (38-40 degrees), those with a prevalent joint lesion - applications of colder mud (22-24 degrees C), those free of inflammation in the joints and periarticular tissues - mud of 38-40 degrees C temperature. In reactive arthritis and Reiter's disease mud applications with temperature 22-24 degrees are indicated.

141 patients with seronegative spondylarthritis including ankylosing spondylarthritis (n = 90), reactive arthritis and Reiter's disease (n = 51) took water radon baths (concentration 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 kB/l). The baths proved similarly effective in patients with seronegative spondylarthritis. They produced analgetic, anti-inflammatory actions, raised quality of life for such patients.

Radon and peloid therapy was given to 88 patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis. Of them, 58 had ankylosing spondyloarthritis (30 patients had a more severe affection of the spine and 28--of peripheral joints), 30 had reactive arthritis and Reiter's disease. Water radon baths and low-temperature peloid applications produced in all the patients analgetic, anti-inflammatory effects, improved functional condition and quality of life, i.e. self-service, occupational skills, wellness, sleep and libido.

The immune system was studied in 90 patients with seronegative spondylarthritis (SNSA). Of them, 60 patients had ankylosing spondylarthritis (30 patients with central and 30 patients with peripheral forms) and 30 patients with reactive arthritis. SNSA patients were found to have secondary immunodeficiency. Cellular immunity was characterized by a decreased count of T mu (helper cells), an increased count of T gamma (cytotoxic/suppressors) and suppressed functional activity of lymphocytes, humoral immunity--by a high concentration of circulating immune complexes in an increased concentration of serum immunoglobulins. Integral assessment of the changes in the immune system and clinical data in SNSA patients leads to the conclusion that water radon baths and decimetric wave therapy reach the highest efficacy in ankylosing spondylarthritis while water radon baths and low frequency ultrasound--in reactive arthritis, a complex of water radon baths and ultraphonophoresis of hydrocortisone--in ankylosing spondylarthritis and reactive arthritis.

The trial included 90 patients with seronegative spondylarthritis (SA): 60 ones with ankylosing spondylarthritis (30 with central and 30 with peripheral forms) and 30 patients with reactive arthritis (RA). RA patients with affection of the peripheral joints, periarticular tissues and the spine are effectively treated with a complex of water radon baths and low frequency ultrasound but in affection of the peripheral joints and tendon-ligament system water radon baths and ultraphonophoresis of hydrocortisone are recommended. Water radon baths and decimetric therapy are good for patients with central ankylosing spondylarthritis having a dominant lesion of the spine. In involvement of the joints and tendon-ligament system it is recommended to use a complex of water radon baths and ultraphonophoresis of hydrocortisone.

66 patients with reactive arthritis took dry air radon baths. Radon concentration was 1.5 kBq/l (40 nCi/l), temperature regimens 27 +/- 3 and 37 +/- 3 degrees C. The procedures produced analgetic, anti-inflammatory and immunocorrective effects.