From the Guidelines
The management of polyserositis should focus on promptly suppressing inflammatory exacerbations and preventing irreversible organ damage, with a multidisciplinary approach and individualized treatment according to age, gender, type, and severity of organ involvement. When considering the treatment of polyserositis, it is crucial to understand that the goal is to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes. The treatment approach should be tailored to the specific needs of the patient, taking into account the type and severity of organ involvement, as well as the patient's preferences 1. In cases where there is only skin, mucosa, and joint involvement, treatment can be tailored according to the patient's need and how much the symptoms impact on their quality of life compared with the risks associated with adverse effects of any medication used. However, when there is organ involvement, such as ocular, vascular, neurological, or gastrointestinal involvement, it is essential to rapidly suppress the inflammation and prevent relapses to prevent loss of function, and immunosuppressives are usually necessary to accomplish this 1. Key considerations in the management of polyserositis include:
- A multidisciplinary approach for optimal care
- Individualized treatment according to age, gender, type, and severity of organ involvement
- Prompt suppression of inflammatory exacerbations to prevent irreversible organ damage
- Regular monitoring of inflammatory markers and repeat imaging to assess treatment response
- Symptomatic management, including therapeutic drainage of significant effusions, pain management, and supportive care with adequate hydration and rest. In the context of polyserositis, the use of immunosuppressives, such as those used in the treatment of Behçet's syndrome, may be necessary to prevent loss of function and improve quality of life outcomes 1.
From the Research
Management of Polyserositis
The management of polyserositis is largely dependent on the underlying cause of the condition.
- The treatment approach may involve a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine, along with therapeutic thoracenteses for moderate-to-large effusions 2.
- In cases where polyserositis is associated with autoimmune diseases, treatment may involve immunosuppressive therapy 3, 4.
- For cases where polyserositis is related to neoplasia, treatment may involve chemotherapy or other targeted therapies 3, 4, 5.
- In some cases, polyserositis may resolve on its own without specific treatment, as seen in cases of unknown aetiology 3.
Diagnostic Approach
Diagnosing the underlying cause of polyserositis is crucial for effective management.
- This may involve a range of tests, including imaging studies, laboratory tests, and histopathological examination of serous fluid or tissue samples 3, 4, 2, 5.
- Flow cytometric analysis may be useful in cases where polyserositis is suspected to be related to hematological malignancies 5.
Specific Considerations
In certain cases, polyserositis may be associated with specific underlying conditions, such as hypothyroidism or myeloid sarcoma.