Expert Diagnosis & Treatment for Polyarteritis Nodosa

Polyarteritis Nodosa

We at Felix Hospital specialize in the diagnosis and management of rare autoimmune disorders such as Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN). PAN is a serious and even life-threatening condition that targets the small- and medium-sized arteries and causes inflammation that can harm organs such as the kidneys, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. PAN needs to be diagnosed and treated by an expert to avoid complications and improve quality of life. Leading as the best rheumatology hospital, our board-certified team of rheumatologists is dedicated to providing individualized, evidence-based treatment to each patient afflicted with this multifaceted disease.

Early intervention of polyarteritis nodosa is essential. Call Felix Hospital, Noida, today at +91 9667064100.

What is Polyarteritis Nodosa?

Polyarteritis Nodosa is a vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels, that is rare. More specifically, it inflames and damages small and medium arteries. It can cut off blood supply to essential organs and tissues and cause serious complications if treatment is not started early. PAN is not usually linked with particular antibodies like other autoimmune diseases are, so diagnosis is more complicated.
The cause of PAN is not exactly defined, although it has been associated with hepatitis B infection, immune deficiency, and occasionally, genetics. Presentation can be very diverse based upon which organs are involved, but presentation can consist of:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fever and fatigue

• Muscle and joint pain

• High blood pressure

• Abdominal pain

• Numbness or tingling in limbs

• Skin rashes or ulcers

Due to the fact that PAN involves so many different body systems, its symptomatology is frequently mistaken for other diseases. This is why a complete and multidisciplinary treatment, such as the one provided by Felix Hospital, is so important.
 

Diagnosis of Polyarteritis Nodosa at Felix Hospital

Diagnosis of PAN involves a careful analysis of symptoms, blood analysis, and imaging. Our experienced rheumatologists in Felix Hospital use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and expert skill to accurately diagnose the disease.

Some of the major steps involved in diagnosis are:

• Blood Tests: The presence of inflammation could be marked by raised levels of ESR and CRP. Blood tests for hepatitis B and C are also conducted.

• Tissue Biopsy: Inflammation in skin, muscle, or nerve tissue could be established through a biopsy test.

• Angiography: Imaging of the blood vessels, especially of the kidneys or intestines, can show characteristic aneurysm or stenosis patterns.

• Urinalysis & Kidney Function Tests: These determine any involvement of the organs, especially the kidneys.

Felix coordinates all the concerned departments—rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, and cardiology—to carry out proper and timely diagnosis.

Treatment Options at Felix Hospital

Polyarteritis Nodosa is an inflammatory condition, but with appropriate treatment, a persistent remission can be achieved. Our approach to treatment is individualized based on the patient's symptoms, disease severity, and medical status.

Treatment in common use:

• Corticosteroids: Prednisone is often the first drug to control inflammation.

• Immunosuppressive Agents: Medications such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine are utilized in moderately to severely affected patients to inhibit the immune system.

• Antiviral Therapy: Antiviral drug is added to PAN complicated by hepatitis B.

• Supportive Care: Control of pain, blood pressure, and organ-specific care (e.g., renal care) is of utmost importance.

• Biologics: In relapsing or recalcitrant cases, newer biologic agents can be used.

Our experts ensure side effects are controlled and patients are given full follow-up treatment.

Why Choose Felix Hospital for Polyarteritis Nodosa?

Felix Hospital is a center of excellence for autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases. Our approach is patient-focused, scientific, and compassionate. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experienced rheumatologists with deep expertise in managing rare vasculitis conditions.

• Advanced Diagnostic Facilities including state-of-the-art imaging and pathology support.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration between departments to address all organ systems involved.

• Customized Treatment Plans to suit your specific health needs and lifestyle.

• Regular Monitoring & Ongoing Support to maintain the disease in remission and avoid complications.

Early detection and tailored treatment is our focus, minimizing your opportunity for long-term harm and assisting you in having a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Don't let fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms from your organs go unnoticed. Schedule an appointment and embark on the road to recovery.

 

Introduce the Leading Rheumatologist of Felix Hospital

Overseeing our autoimmune treatment program is Dr. Kiran Seth, a seasoned rheumatologist with 15+ years of experience in treating challenging cases of vasculitis such as Polyarteritis Nodosa. She is endowed with a patient-centered approach on the strength of clinical experience in immunotherapy, biologics, and targeted therapies. Her patients are treated with compassionate diagnosis, sympathetic care, and current treatment modalities being practiced in India.

Dr. Kiran Seth and her team at Felix Hospital work hard to provide every patient with the best possible opportunity for remission and better quality of life.
 

FAQs about Polyarteritis Nodosa

1. Can Polyarteritis Nodosa cause irreversible damage even when treatment is initiated?

Ans. Yes, if not treated early, PAN can lead to irreversible organ damage such as the kidneys, intestines, or nerves. But due to early diagnosis and treatment at Felix Hospital, the risk of irreversible complication is greatly minimized.

2. How is Polyarteritis Nodosa different from other forms of vasculitis?

Ans. Unlike most of the vasculitides, PAN most commonly does not involve the smallest vessels (e.g., capillaries) and isn't associated with ANCA antibodies. PAN also typically involves the medium and smaller arteries and more commonly is found with aneurysms—something that our rheumatology staff is proficient at identifying with state-of-the-art imaging.

3. Is PAN associated with any infections?

Ans. Yes, PAN has a known association with infection of hepatitis B. That is why at the Felix Hospital we always screen for hepatitis and, if it is present, include antiviral therapy in the treatment regimen.

4. What does a flare of Polyarteritis Nodosa feel like?

Ans. An overreaction may occur in the form of new or progressive fatigue, muscle ache, abdominal cramps, numbness, or skin ulceration. We educate the patient at Felix Hospital on how to identify such symptoms early in order to alter treatment accordingly in a timely fashion.

5. How frequently will I require follow-up visits or tests after initiating treatment?

Ans. Patients require close follow-up—most commonly monthly blood tests and symptom monitoring, especially during the first year. Felix Hospital offers official follow-up timetables and electronic reminders to stay patients on track.

6. Will I have long-term medications even after I have achieved remission?

Ans. Not always. A few patients are tapered off medicines after 1–2 years of remission. But Dr. Kiran Seth and our team tailor the maintenance program based on your relapse risk, lab results, and lifestyle.

7. Can women with PAN plan pregnancy safely?

Ans. Yes, but with the guidance of experts. Certain drugs in PAN can impact fertility or fetal health. At Felix Hospital, we provide pre-conception counseling and adjust treatment to ensure pregnancy becomes safe and healthy for women suffering from PAN.