Clinical analysis of 20 patients with relapsing polychondritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To enhance the understanding of relapsing polychondritis (RPC).Method Clinical features,laboratory studies and prognosis of RPC in 20 patients were analyzed.Results The average age at the beginning of disease was 53 4 years (range from 35 to 86).The average course from initiation of clinical symptoms to diagnosis was 1 1 years.Of patients,90% had auricular chondritis,80% had respiratory system involvement,75% had nasal chondritis and 4 patients had severe tracheobronchial chondritis.Involvement in joints,skin,cardiovascular and neurotic system also existed in various frequencies,and 20% of the patients were associated with other rheumatic or autoimmune diseases.Conclusion Extensive laryngo tracheobronchial disease is a vital signal in RPC.Early diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroid and immunosuppressant can improve the prognosis.