Sharpe's syndrome: why the disease affects mainly women

Sharpe's syndrome affects predominantly women, and during menopause and in the  postmenopausal period. Perhaps this is because endocrine disorders are considered a determining factor in the development of this disease. Characteristically swollen, painfully indurated, red in color and with inflamed phalangeal joints of the hands make it easier for the doctor to diagnose Sharpe's syndrome. Connective tissue damage occurs gradually, and in the case of timely treatment, the disease has a favorable prognosis.

 Causes and symptoms of Sharpe syndrome

Among the causes of the manifestation of Sharp's syndrome is hereditary predisposition, which, under certain conditions, is activated due to the influence of past viral infections, stress, severe hypothermia, fluctuations in hormonal levels. This starts  an extremely large number of autoantibodies to ribonucleoprotein are produced (this becomes the main diagnostic sign of Sharpe's syndrome). This production of antibodies causes many autoimmune disorders – in particular, the development of systemic inflammation.

Sharpe's syndrome is called a mixed connective tissue disease because its symptoms are similar to & nbsp; scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis and some other diseases.

Important symptomatic manifestations of Sharp syndrome

• dense swelling of the hands;
• Raynaud's syndrome (cyanosis and hyperemia of the skin on the fingers);
• multiple arthralgias;
• inflammation of the phalanges of the fingers;
• sclerodactyly;
• muscle pain;
• telangiectasias and erymatous spots on the body;
• periorbital pigmentation;
• alopecia.

In complicated cases, without timely treatment, Sharp's syndrome can manifest itself as diffuse glomerulonephritis, trigeminal neuralgia, anemia, splenomegaly. About 30% of patients with Sharp's syndrome suffer from erosive changes in the bones & nbsp; and the appearance of rheumatoid nodules.

 Diagnosis and treatment of Sharp syndrome

Treatment for Sharp's syndrome is possible only after a diagnostic assessment of damage to internal organs, connective tissue damage  and consultation with an appropriate specialist (rheumatologist, cardiologist, neurologist).

NSAIDs, sometimes prednisolone and methotrexate, are prescribed for active joint symptoms. Polymyositis is stopped by prednisone, with pronounced Raynaud's syndrome, vasodilators may be needed. In myocarditis, cytostatic therapy is recommended.

As a rule, the disease proceeds benignly and without life-threatening complications, and timely treatment allows you to do without destructive changes in the body.