New medications offer breakthrough in arthritis treatment

When Carolyn Van Zant of San Mateo was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 38, she felt more like age 83. Aches and pains severely restricted her movement forcing her to carefully plan her days, she said.

“If I went grocery shopping, it was the only activity I did that day,” she said. “I also had to bring my son with me just to get gas.”

Thanks to recent treatment breakthroughs, today at age 64 Van Zant has a second chance at a better quality of life.

A new group of drugs called “biologics” have recently been shown to halt the progression of certain types of arthritis, according to Mills-Peninsula rheumatologist Michael Stevens, M.D.

“This is the first time in the history of treating diseases such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis that studies show no further disease progression when treated,” he said.

“Biologic therapies are directed against cytokines — molecules that relay messages between cells to initiate inflammation.”

Medications are administered by self-injection or intravenous (IV) infusion, Dr. Stevens said. “The treatment overall is very safe with a low incidence of serious side effects.”

“Having arthritis used to mean a gradual slide away from an active life,” the doctor said. “Now we can begin treatment early with very effective medications before the damage has occurred, and patients are beginning to go back to school, work and even sports.”

Today Van Zant is more active than ever and says she feels better than she did at age 38.

“Today, I vacuumed, scrubbed the kitchen floor, watered plants, fed the cat, cleaned the litter box, did some laundry, attended my adaptive pool exercise class and went shopping,” she said.

The rheumatologist emphasizes the role of physical therapy and exercise, especially aquatics, to increase range of motion, improve balance and reduce risk of falls. “Some people with arthritis also may benefit from seeing a chiropractor or acupuncturist,” he said.

“Thanks to this wonderful treatment, it’s much more fun to feel age 38 at age 64.”

Dr. Stevens will discuss breakthroughs and treatment options at an Arthritis Awareness Month event, May 26, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Call 696–5600 to register.

To learn more about the Arthritis Center at Mills-Peninsula, call 696–4750. To support this and other Rehabilitation programs, call the Hospital Foundation at 696–5990