cover
feature
or other dietary measures; or taking
medications to help prevent bone loss
or aid new bone formation.
game-Changing medications
Since the late '90s, treatments for
debilitating autoimmune conditions
such as RA have become more proactive and aggressive.
"When I began practicing in 1988,
the drugs available were nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, prednisone,
hydroxychloroquine, injections of gold
or methotrexate, and azathioprine,"
says Dr. Reynolds. "If the patient failed
those, there was not much else to
offer. The best we could hope for was
to be able to diagnose and treat these
patients as early as possible from the
onset of their disease, to try to limit
damage to the joints. Even then, the
treatment was not always successful."
Today, patients can be effectively
treated with medications not only to
reduce pain and swelling, but also to
fight the disease or put it into remission
by reducing bone and joint damage
with drugs that target the overactive
immune system by deactivating a specific, inflammation-causing protein.
"With the introduction of the biologic modifiers (TNF-alpha inhibitors),
a new world of therapy and quality of
life became possible for those suffering
from inflammatory arthritis, including
rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis," says
Dr. Reynolds. "Some patients who had
been confined to wheelchairs were able
to walk again with walkers or canes,
or independently. The deformities of
rheumatoid arthritis — twisted fingers
and toes and rheumatoid nodules —
are becoming rare."
Dr. Reynolds adds: "Given the variable dosing, combinations and wide
range of potential toxicities of these
medications, patients are best treated
by rheumatologists who a re well
trained to manage these diseases with
the appropriate medications as well
as monitor for potential side effects."
8
| Greater Kansas MD News
■ mDNEWS.Com
An opportunity to Serve
"Rheumatology is a rapidly advancing field of medicine that keeps me
stimulated and motivated to learn," says
Dr. Gorantla. "It's partly why I chose
rheumatology. With the availability of
newer treatments, we are able to make
a difference in the lives of patients with
chronic rheumatologic diseases."
The opportunity to build long-term
relationships with patients in the outpatient setting is beneficial as well, she says.
For additional information about
Via Christi Clinic Rheumatology, please
call (316) 689-9188. You may also visit
www.viachristiclinic.com and select
Rheumatology from the Specialty Care
drop-down menu under Specialties
& Services. ■
co nven i ent acc eS S to
e xpert c ar e
vIA CHRISTI CLINIC'S board-certified, fellowship-trained rheumatologists accept patients
ages 16 and older at three Wichita-area locations:
+ 3311 e. Murdock, Wichita, KS 67208
+ 13213 W. 21st St. North, Wichita, KS 67235
+ 720 Medical Center Drive, Newton, KS 67114
Nadia Gibson, M.D.
Praveena Gorantla, M.D.
Steen e. Mortensen, M.D.
Teresa A. Reynolds, M.D.
Preethi C. Kurakula, M.D.
