2017/2018- Essay 2

Question 1

Title

Answer 1

The Pathogenesis, Impact, Diagnosis, and Management of Autoimmune Diseases: A Case Study of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 2

What it is, example (RA)

Introduction

Using a specific example, discuss the mechanism(s) by which an** autoimmune disease** may arise, how it affects the body and how the disease may be diagnosed and managed.

Answer 2

• Autoimmune disease:complex disorder where immune system mistakely attacks its own healthy issues
• Normal function: protects body from foreign invaders
• Lead to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, impairment of organ function
• Example: Rheumatoid Artheritis (RA)
• > chronic, systemic, progressive inflammatory disorder-> target joint (can also impact other organs)

Essay- mechanism of RA arise, effects on the body, how it can be diagnosed.

Question 3

Mechanism of Autoimmune disease

Paragraph 1

Using a specific example, discuss the mechanism(s) by which an** autoimmune disease** may arise, how it affects the body and how the disease may be diagnosed and managed.

Answer 3

• arise:genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers
• RA: presence of human leukoctye antigen (HLA) genes, increase risk developing disease
• genetic predisposition alone not sufficient;evironmental factors
• > infections, smoking, hormonal> trigger prompting autoimmune response

RA
* iS malfunction->production of **autoantibodies **
* >rhematoid factors (RF) and antk-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
* >results in chronic inflammation,formation of immune complexes, recruitment of immune cells
* >leads to synovial hyperplasia
* >and joint destruction overtime

Question 4

Effects of the body

Paragraph 2

Using a specific example, discuss the mechanism(s) by which an** autoimmune disease** may arise, how it affects the body and how the disease may be diagnosed and managed.

Answer 4

• RA primariliy affects synovial joints
• Symptoms: joint pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced motility
• Inflammation can progress and cause irreversible damage
• > cartilage, bone, nearby ligaments
• RA is a systemic disease (affect other organs)
• > heart,lung,skin, blood vessels
• > > cardiovascular complications, pulmonary involvement, skin,nodules and anemia
• reduced quality of life
• causing physical disabilty, emotional stress amd social limitations
• > struggle with daily activities
• > limitations in personal and professional lives

Question 5

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Artheritis

Paragraph 3

Using a specific example, discuss the mechanism(s) by which an** autoimmune disease** may arise, how it affects the body and how the disease may be diagnosed and managed.

Answer 5

• clinical assessment,imaging and laboratory tests
• Established by American College pf Rheumatology and European League against rheumatism (ACR/EULAR)

Process
* Medical history and physical examination
* >dr inquire symptons
* >conduct physical examination
* &raquo_space;assessing joint involvement and inflammation
* Blood test
* >Rhematoid factors (RF)
* >Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP)
* High levels indicated RA
* Imaging
* >X-rays, ultrasound and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
* &raquo_space;reveal joint damage and inflammation

Question 6

Management of Rhematoid Artheritis

Paragraph 4

Using a specific example, discuss the mechanism(s) by which an** autoimmune disease** may arise, how it affects the body and how the disease may be diagnosed and managed.

Answer 6

• No cure
• advancement in treatment-improved disease management and outcome
• Management> multidisciplinary approoach
• > Medications
• > > Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• > > > reduce inflamation, preserve joint function
• > > Biologic DMARDs: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors
• > > > revolutionised RA
• how»target specific immune pathways by inhibiting TNF (overproduced cytokine in autoimmune disease that promotes inflammation)
• TNF inhibitors help alleviated inflammation
• > > Lifestyle modifications
• > > > Regular exercise, physical therapy (improve joint function and reduce pain)
• > > Supportive therapies
• > > > pain relievers
• > > > non-steroidal snti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• > > Patient Education and support
• > > > coping with challenges of living with RA (management and psychologial support)

Question 7

Conclusion

Using a specific example, discuss the mechanism(s) by which an** autoimmune disease** may arise, how it affects the body and how the disease may be diagnosed and managed.

Answer 7

• RA prime example of autoimmune diease
• interplay between genetic suscpetibility and environmental triggers
• leads to immune disregulation and self-tissue destruction
• managemt, comb of meds, lifestyle changes,… ->help manage condition effectively and improve overall well-being
• Research contiues
• > better strategies to diagnose,manafe and prevent complex disorders