Treatment of connective tissue dysplasia

Unfortunately, there is no known method that would allow one to get rid of connective tissue dysplasia forever, since it is a genetic problem. However, the competent use of complex measures can stabilize the patient's condition and alleviate the clinical signs of the disease. In most cases, the following treatment regimen is used, which is aimed at preventing exacerbations of the syndrome:

• thoughtful physical activity;
• individually tailored diet;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• medicines;
• help of a psychotherapist, psychiatrist.

Surgical assistance in connective tissue dysplasia is rather an exception to the rule. It is resorted to very rarely, only in cases of a modified chest and/or spinal column - that is, in conditions that threaten the normal functioning of the patient's internal organs.

Additionally, it is necessary to establish a proper work and rest regime and devote a lot of time to physical activity.

New in the treatment of connective tissue dysplasia

An experimental evaluation of treatment measures made it possible to determine the most optimal treatment options for patients with connective tissue dysplasia:

• Magnerot is prescribed in a dose of 1 g twice a day for 4-6 weeks; Mildronate solution of 5 ml in the form of 10 intravenous injections, followed by taking 250 mg twice a day for twelve days; then - intravenous drip administration of Actovegin from 80 to 200 mg for ten days, after which - taking 200 mg three times a day before meals for a month.
• Zincite in tablets, 1 tablet twice a day for two months; Riboxin in the form of a 2% solution in the amount of 10 ml, intravenously No. 10, after which they switch to oral administration of one tablet three times a day for two months.
• Copper sulfate solution 1%, 10 drops three times a day for a month; vitamin C 0.5 g per day for a month.
• The inclusion of prolonged-release pentoxifylline (vasonit) in combination therapy in patients with dorsopathy associated with connective tissue dysplasia had a positive effect on the course of the disease, reducing pain intensity and improving vital functions. [ 1 ]

The results of the work convincingly prove that it is possible and advisable to monitor the condition of patients with dysplasia. During the treatment, it is important to regularly assess the density of bone tissue.

Medicines

In case of connective tissue dysplasia, a comprehensive treatment approach is always used. Unfortunately, a complete cure is impossible, so all treatment measures are aimed at improving the patient's condition and slowing down the progression of the syndrome.

Treatment measures include:

• conducting special exercise therapy classes;
• specially developed therapeutic nutrition;
• drugs to optimize metabolic processes, stimulate collagen synthesis;
• if necessary – operations to restore the functions of the musculoskeletal system, correct the chest and spinal column.

Conservative treatment may include taking the following medications:

Chondroxide	A drug that reduces joint pain, stimulates the restoration of articular cartilage and collagen synthesis. Usually, 500 mg of the drug is taken in the morning and evening, with water, for at least six months. It is believed that the therapeutic effect lasts for 4-5 months after the end of the course of therapy, after which the drug is resumed. Side effects are rare and are expressed in the form of nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions.
Rumalon	A drug from the group of chondroprotectors, which activates the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen, reduces enzymatic activity, improves the trophism of articular cartilage, and inhibits the development of osteoarthrosis. The solution is administered intramuscularly, 0.5-1 ml three times a week for one and a half months. The drug is not used in pediatrics.
Osteogenon	A drug that affects the structure and mineralization of bone tissue. Not prescribed for hypercalcemia and in childhood. Osteogenon is taken with food and water, 2-4 tablets per day. Side effects: intestinal disorders, constipation, hypercalcemia, hypersensitivity reactions.
Alfacalcidol	A vitamin D preparation that regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It is taken orally in individual doses. The intake is usually long-term, sometimes lifelong. Side effects: allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, increased fatigue.
Glutamic acid [ 2 ]	A replaceable amino acid preparation that participates in the mechanism of amino acid transamination, in metabolic and oxidative processes. Activates excitation transmission in the CNS synapses. Adults are prescribed 1 g of the preparation three times a day, half an hour before meals. The duration of treatment is several months, up to a year. Not prescribed to children under 3 years of age. Side effects: leukopenia, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, sleep disorders.
Potassium orotate	The drug has a general stimulating effect on metabolism, improves myocardial function, and stops dystrophic processes. Take between meals, with water, 250-300 mg three times a day. Duration of therapy is 1-1.5 months. With prolonged use, dermatoses, paresthesia, and fatty liver dystrophy may be observed.
Mildronate	The drug corrects the physical and psycho-emotional state, restores the body after cerebrovascular disorders. Capsules are taken in the amount of 500 mg per day. Duration of therapy is 1.5-2 months. The drug is well tolerated, only occasionally allergic reactions, headaches, dyspepsia are observed.
Riboxin	An anabolic drug with antihypoxic and antiarrhythmic properties. Prescribed in individual doses, as intravenous infusions, for 1-2 weeks. Riboxin is not used in pediatric practice.
Limontar	Metabolic drug, tissue metabolism regulator, stimulator of oxidation-reduction processes. Take after meals, crushing and dissolving the tablet in soda water. The standard dose is 1 tablet per day (unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor). During treatment, pain in the stomach area may occur, which goes away on its own within a few minutes.

Vitamins

Additional intake of multivitamin preparations should compensate for the deficiency of B vitamins, ascorbic and folic acid, tocopherol, retinol, as well as selenium and magnesium in the body. Alternatively, you can take one of the following complexes:

• Magne B ₆ in the form of a solution or tablets, or Magne B ₆ Antistress;
• Magnikum, Magnikum Antistress (analogue of Magne B ₆ );
• Magnefar B ₆;
• Biolectra Magnesium;
• Beresh magnesium + B ₆;
• Magnemax Health;
• Doppelherz Active Magnesium + B Vitamins;
• Now Foods Calcium and Magnesium;
• Ginkgo forte with magnesium and vitamin complex;
• Ultimate vitamins;
• Solgar magnesium.

Taking multivitamin-mineral complexes must be accompanied by changes in the diet: you should add foods containing vitamins A, E, C, B ₆, B ₁₂ to the menu.

Magnerot for connective tissue dysplasia

Separately, we should talk about the drug Magnerot, which is most often prescribed to patients with connective tissue dysplasia. Magnesium is involved in metabolic processes involving proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. It plays one of the leading roles in ensuring adequate function of myocardial cells, nerve conduction and other important processes within the body. Magnesium creates antioxidant cellular protection, since the quality of antioxidant reactions and maintenance of hemostasis within the cell depend on the ratio of intracellular calcium and magnesium ions. An imbalance in the cell cytosol in favor of calcium ions leads to the accumulation of free radicals. [ 3 ]

It is important for women to take magnesium supplements during pregnancy to prevent magnesium deficiency and the risk of miscarriage, gestosis, and fetoplacental insufficiency (the main factors in the development of connective tissue dysplasia in a child).

Magnerot tablets are represented by magnesium salt of orotic acid: the composition contains 32.8 mg of elemental magnesium, as well as orotic acid, which has independent metabolic properties. The drug is approved for long-term regular use.

Nutrition for connective tissue dysplasia

Patients with connective tissue dysplasia are advised to include in their diet:

• foods containing folic acid (beans, greens and bananas, cabbage and brewer's yeast, lemons, eggs, carrots and beets);
• products with ascorbic acid (kiwi, citrus fruits, rose hips, bell peppers, currants, cabbage and sea buckthorn);
• products with tocopherol (high-quality vegetable oils, nuts, peanuts, sea buckthorn, prunes, oatmeal and barley);
• foods with selenium (celery, olives, buckwheat, beans and peas, parsnips);
• foods with vitamin A and beta-carotene (orange and red vegetables and fruits).

The following are prohibited:

• smoked, sour, spicy and fatty foods, fried foods;
• any products containing artificial additives (baked goods, sweets, sausages and snacks, ice cream, drinks, etc.);
• seasonings, vinegar, spices, marinade;
• coffee, strong black tea, alcohol.

It is recommended to drink green tea, rosehip and currant leaf decoctions, berry fruit drinks and compotes.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises are performed in combination with massage procedures: both should not be neglected, since they make up a significant share of the effectiveness of treatment.

Classes are selected on an individual basis, after consultation with doctors of various specialties: orthopedist, cardiologist, surgeon, vertebrologist, etc.

Exercises should be performed regularly, combining a massage session with 2-3 gymnastic sessions.

Any session begins with a warm-up, massaging movements - stroking, light pressure on the muscles. Gradually move on to rubbing (it is advisable to use special massage oil).

Gymnastics should consist of simple but effective exercises. To begin with, the doctor should conduct them together with the patient in order to promptly identify any moments that can interfere with the performance of certain movements.

Connective tissue dysplasia detected in infancy can be corrected with the help of exercise therapy and massage alone, without the use of medications. If you practice regularly, you can achieve significant positive results.