Attention to the use of biological agents by persons with rheumatitis – D

Rheumatism is a chronic self-immunised disease that causes many sufferings. The emergence of biological agents offers new hope for the treatment of rheumatism, but there is also a range of concerns that require close attention during its use. Pre-use assessment: Patients need to undergo a full assessment before the use of biological agents for the treatment of rheumatism. This includes detailed medical history collection, such as past history of infection (especially tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.), history of tumours, and family history of self-immunological diseases. At the same time, a series of laboratory examinations, such as a nodule fungus test (PPD test) or a gamma-interfluent release test (IGRA) are conducted to screen for tuberculosis infections, to detect hepatitis B-5 and C antibodies to determine if hepatitis virus infections exist, and to examine indicators such as blood protocol, liver and kidney function, self-antigen, to assess the overall health of the body and the suitability for the use of biological agents. In addition, for patients with other basic diseases such as heart disease, there may be a need for a related heart function check, such as EKG, heart ultrasound, etc. Treatment can only start after ensuring that there is no inhibition of the use of biological agents.II. Risk of infection and prevention: Biological agents inhibit part of the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of infection. During the use of biological agents, special attention is paid to preventing infection. To minimize access to densely populated, air-traffic sites, such as malls, cinemas, etc., to reduce access to pathogens. Inoculation against influenza is available early during the high-prevalence season, but it needs to be noted that vaccination should be carried out at least two weeks before biological agents are used to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccine and to avoid the interaction of vaccine-related adverse reactions with biological agents. In the case of tuberculosis infections, even if negative screening occurs prior to the use of biological agents, in the event of suspected tuberculosis symptoms such as continued coughing, low heat, sweat theft and inactivity, medical attention should be immediately provided and doctors informed that biological agents are being used. In the event of an infection, such as respiratory infections, urinary system infections, etc., timely medical access, anti-infection treatment under the direction of a doctor and, depending on the severity of the infection, the use of biological agents may need to be suspended until the infection is fully controlled before it is resumed.Injecting operations and self-monitoring: Some biological agents require self-injecting under the patient ‘ s skin, e.g., Ignasip. Injecting is carried out in strict accordance with the training of a doctor or nurse. The first is to select the appropriate injection area, which is generally the more fat and easy to operate under the skin, such as the abdominal, the outer thigh, and to be careful to rotate the injection area and avoid local adverse effects from repeated injections in the same part. Prior to injection, ensure that the skin is clean and dry, use the correct injection methods and techniques, slowly push the drug, and then press the pressure to prevent haemorrhage or drug leakage. After each injection, the patient self-inspects whether there are local adverse effects, such as red and edema, pain, itching and hard knots, and whether there are adverse effects in the body, such as fever, rashes and increased joint pain. In the case of minor local haemorrhage and pain, self-observation can be done first and can normally be mitigated within days, and the use of biological agents and prompt contact with a doctor should be stopped immediately in the event of a serious local or systemic adverse reaction.Regular review and evaluation of efficacy: During treatment with biological agents, the patient is required to visit the hospital regularly for review. The items reviewed include laboratory indicators such as blood protocol, blood sank, C reaction protein, liver and kidney function, which can reflect the inflammatory state of the patient and whether the drug has an adverse effect on the body organ. At the same time, there is a need for self-antibodies, such as rheumatogens and anti-accumulator antibodies, to assess the activity of the disease. In addition, doctors may conduct periodic joint imaging examinations, such as X-rays, MRI, etc., depending on the patient ‘ s specific circumstances, to observe changes in joint structures and to understand the inhibitive effects of biological agents on joint damage. Through regular reviews and efficacy assessments, doctors can judge the treatment effects of biological agents in a timely manner and can adjust treatment programmes in a timely manner, such as changing the type of biological agent, adjusting the dose or combining other medications, if the treatment is found to be ineffective or adverse. The first comprehensive review is normally carried out one to three months after the use of the biological agent has commenced, and may be followed by an appropriate extension of the interval for review, depending on the stable condition, but at least once every three to six months.Other matters of concern: During the use of biological agents, patients should refrain from using other immuno-regulating drugs or health-care products of their own, except under the direction of a doctor, as these substances or health-care products may interact with biological agents, affect treatment effects or increase the risk of adverse reactions. At the same time, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, and to increase physical resistance by ingestion of foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, such as skinny meat, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits; to exercise the function of joints, such as joint activity training, muscle force training, etc., and to maintain the flexibility and muscle force of the joints without increasing the burden of the joints; and to take care to rest and avoid overwork and stress, which may affect the condition of rheumatism and the effects of treatment.In general, biological agents provide effective treatment for patients with rheumatitis, but in their use patients must be fully aware of and comply with the above-mentioned concerns and work closely with doctors in order to ensure the safe and effective use of biological agents and to maximize their condition and quality of life.