What Factors Affect Sarcoidosis Prognosis?

Sarcoidosis prognosis is affected by a number of factors, including race, treatment, the affected parts of the body, age, and early diagnosis. This condition is also known as Besnier-Boeck disease and Besnier-Beck-Schaumann disease. It causes clumps of immune cells called granulomas to form in certain organs of the body, most commonly the lungs. These granulomas may or may not cause symptoms.

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Causes may be genetic, environmental, or a combination of the two. African Americans are more likely to develop the disease than Caucasians. Females are affected more often than men. African Americans have a poorer sarcoidosis prognosis than others with the disease.

Since any organ can be affected, symptoms vary widely. Most patients have at least some lung symptoms, which include chest discomfort, a dry cough, and abnormal breathing sounds. General symptoms that may be present include fever, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. Skin rashes or lesions may also occur. Other symptoms include seizures, weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, swollen lymph nodes, dry eyes, and nose bleeds.

The usual sarcoidosis prognosis is good, and most symptoms of sarcoidosis improve slowly without treatment. Some patients require a one-time treatment, and others require treatment that is life-long. The administration of correct treatment affects sarcoidosis prognosis.

Patients whose condition involves the eyes, heart, and nervous system have a worse sarcoidosis prognosis than those who only have lung or skin involvement. These patients may be treated with corticosteroids. This therapy may last one to two years or for the rest of the patient's life. Some patients may experience organ failure and require a transplant.

The sarcoidosis prognosis is worse for patients who are more than 40 years old at the onset of symptoms. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 20 and 40. Children who are affected have a better prognosis than adults.

There are four stages of sarcoidosis, and the stage of the disease will affect the prognosis of the disease. The first stage does not require treatment, while the fourth stage may involve fibrosis of the lungs and carries a bad prognosis. Patients who have increased calcium levels caused by sarcoidosis also have a poor prognosis.

The long-term sarcoidosis prognosis varies. Some patients may have a remission of symptoms, only to have a flare-up later in life. Sarcoidosis patients have a higher risk of developing cancer. Lung cancer is common, although it can occur in any affected organ. Sarcoidosis patients should see their health care providers at regular intervals.