Lefgren's syndrome: causes, clinic, treatment, prevention

Systemic diseases have always been a mystery to the medical world. One of them is sarcoidosis, which has no substantiated etiology, but manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the connective tissue in various organs and tissues with the formation of granulomas. Lefgren's syndrome is a special course of sarcoidosis that affects the skin, intrasternal lymph nodes, and joints.

Causes of development

The pathogenesis is based on the development of an autoimmune reaction. In the immune system, failure occurs, and leukocytes begin to affect healthy cells of the lungs, joints, and skin.

Lefgrena syndrome most often develops in women of young age (20-35 years). Children, as a rule, do not get sick. Lefgren's syndrome begins acutely, and then gradually the clinical manifestations themselves can pass. Often there is a favorable course of the disease.

In addition to the viral and bacterial theory of the development of sarcoidosis, there is also the view that the disease develops in individuals who are in long contact with volatile chemicals in plants. Do not let go of the hereditary factor. This is why sarcoidosis is a poly-therapeutic autoimmune disease.

Clinical manifestations

The syndrome of Léfgrene in sarcoidosis is manifested in a polysymptomatic manner. Clinical manifestations begin to be acute. A nodular erythema appears on the body, it tends to spread to the limbs, back, abdomen, neck. Nodes have the shape of an oval, their diameter can reach up to 6 centimeters. It is worth noting that necrosis does not occur in the place of formation of erythema.

The main manifestation is the loss of bronchial and tracheal lymph nodes. This constitutes a great danger for the patient:

• A cough appears;
• Occasionally the body temperature increases;
• The state of health worsens;
• There is night sweats;
• Deteriorates the quality of sleep;
• There is a loss of weight;
• The person is anxious.

Later, Léfgren's syndrome is characterized by joint damage. They become edematous painful, and mobility worsens. Objectively, it is possible to notice an increase in the lymph nodes of the neck, as well as in the armpits.

How to diagnose?

Lefgrena syndrome is established on the basis of laboratory diagnosis and examination of the patient by a physician-therapist. Nodular erythema plays a great role in the diagnosis of this form of sarcoidosis. Nevertheless, the doctor needs to differentiate the disease from tuberculosis or dermatovenereological diseases.

A laboratory blood test will show:

• Increased ESR;
• Leukocytosis;
• The appearance of gamma globulins.

On the radiographic image, one can notice a characteristic enlarged lymph nodes, as well as fibrous deposits. This helps to make sure in case of lung damage.

A weakly expressed form requires bronchoscopy with a targeted biopsy. When examining lung tissue, one can see the characteristic histological structure of sarcoidosis: elements of the epithelioid granuloma are found.

Prognosis and complications of the disease

The Lefgren's syndrome proceeds on an individual basis. How long it takes and what are the forecasts, it is possible to respond only by certain criteria. It is known that the older a person, the worse the forecast. If you do not contact the doctor on time, the syndrome is delayed, and complications are added to it:

• Bronchial obstruction;
• Respiratory insufficiency;
• Development of "pulmonary heart";
• Emphysema of the lungs;
• Attachment of bacterial flora.

Respiratory failure develops after bronchial obstruction. The patient's condition gradually worsens, as the lungs begin to be replaced by a connective tissue, the process can stop spontaneously after 1-2 years.

Gradually, the heart begins to increase because of a lack of oxygen in the blood. However, one should not ignore the appeal for medical help, because now the Léfgren syndrome is treatable.

Treatment

Unfortunately, meds can not completely cure sarcoidosis, since the etiology is not fully known. But the doctors prescribe a special therapy that can stop the development of the process, control the Löfgren's syndrome. Treatment begins with the appointment of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce immunity. Vitamin complexes, antioxidants, immunosuppressants are also prescribed.

The course of treatment lasts an average of 8 months. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the immune system. Obligatory is the dispensary observation of patients with a pulmonary physician, ideally it lasts 5 years.

What prevention?

To prevent the development of sarcoidosis, first of all you should follow your lifestyle. Food should be balanced, contain fats, proteins, carbohydrates in the optimal ratio.

People who are predisposed to sarcoidosis should stop smoking, contact with aggressive chemicals.