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Treatment Options for Muckle-Wells Syndrome
Muckle-Wells syndrome is a rare
disorder causing periodic symptoms of skin rash, fever, and joint pain.
The condition is caused by an alteration in the body's methods of
regulating the process of inflammation. It can also lead to redness of
the eyes and abnormal protein deposits in the
kidneys, called amyloidosis.
How We Can Help
This is a rare medical condition and many medical providers, including
specialists, may not be familiar with it. Our practice provides care for
this condition with an understanding of the biochemistry involved in
its pathology and healing. We provide natural care options, including
acupuncture, in a way that can help patients with Muckle-Wells syndrome enjoy a more normal life.
For
this disorder, one focus of our treatment is the regulation of the
immune system through the methods
of traditional acupuncture, which have been shown to result in reduction
of the inflammatory cell signaling molecule interleukin-1β. This
treatment effect is also observed in
pharmaceutical treatments of this condition with interleukin-1
modulating agents such as canakinumab, rilonacept, and anakinra.
For patients suffering with Muckle-Wells syndrome, a combined approach
using both acupuncture and pharmaceuticals may work better than
either approach alone.
"Muckle-Wells syndrome is a rare condition and I have not seen it
frequently in practice. Based on published research and my experience
treating a range of autoimmune conditions, I believe acupuncture is
likely to be helpful for individuals with this condition, but only if
the treatment is performed in a way that is gentle enough to avoid
side-effects. To the extent that it is helpful, it is likely due to
acupuncture's ability to help the body to regulate the inflammatory
signals of the immune system, as well as the stress response signals of
the nervous system."
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.