224 RA Flashcards
What is the cause of RA?
Persistent synovitis leading to poly arthritis and systemic inflammation. Trigger antigen unknown
What is rheumatoid factor?
The Fc portion of IgG which is recognised by antibodies as non self
What is the prevalence of RA in the UK?
0.5-1%
At what age is the typical age of onset of RA?
30 - 50 mostly in women
Which cytokine is overexpressed in RA?
TNF-α
What causes the overproduction and over expression of TNF-α in RA?
Interaction between macrophages and T and B lymphocytes
What infiltrates into the synovial fluid in RA?
Inflammatory cells- incl polymorphs, lymphocytes and plasma cells
What other pyrogenic cytokine is stimulated by TNF-α?
IL-6
Which cells produce a large amount of adhesion molecule?
Synovial fibroblasts
What happens to the surface layer of lining cells in the synovium in RA?
Becomes hyperplastic and thickened
What is the cause of joint effusions in RA?
Vascular infiltration and increased permeability of vessels here
What is the mechanism of cartilage damage in RA?
Directly by cytokines and chondrocytes
Indirectly via blockage of normal nutrients to cartilage due to hyperplastic lining of synovium.
What is the mechanism of injury to the epiphyseal bone cavity in RA?
Fibroblasts grow along the vascular proliferation of synovium into the bone and cause damage
Which class of Ig is most commonly detected in investigations for RA?
IgM
What are ACPA’s in RA?
Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies –> detected in Pts with RA
Name 2 complications of RA
Septic arthritis
Amyloidosis
Which bacteria is most common in septic arthritis?
Staph aureus
What is amyloidosis?
Disorder of protein metabolism with extracellular deposition of pathological insoluble proteins in organs and tissues
What is Boutonniere’s deformity?
Fixed Flexion of PIP joint
What can swelling and subluxation of ulnar styloid in RA lead to?
Rupture of extensor tendons - causing sudden onset finger drop in ring and little finger
What is the outcome of forward migration of the fibrofatty pad underneath the prox metacarpal joint in RA?
Ulcers forming under prox MT joint
Which bacteria is most likely to cause septic arthritis?
Staph A
Which 2 genes are thought to play a part in the genetic component of RA?
HLA-DR4
PTPN22
What are the 2 major cell types in the pannus of a rheumatic joint?
T-lymphocytes and macrophages
Name 2 complications of RA
Septic arthritis
Amyloidosis
What is amyloidosis?
Disorder of protein metabolism where amyloid proteins get deposited in tissues - β-pleated sheets which are resistant to proteolysis
What is Caplans syndrome? (occurs in RA rarely)
RA + pneumoconiosis
What type of pneumonia can occur in an RA patient?
BOOP (bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia)
What are the S&S of rheumatoid vasculitis?
5 listed
Nail fold infarcts
Cutaneous vasculitis and necrosis of skin
Mononeuritis multiplex
Necrosing arteritis of mesenteric vessels
Leg ulcers
What are the possible neuro complications of RA?
4 listed
Carpal tunnel
Tarsal tunnel
Peripheral sensory neuropathy
Cord compression
Name 3 ocular manifestations of RA
Sicca syndrome
Scleritis/episcleritis
Scleromalacia perforans
What is Felty’s syndrome? (In RA)
Splenomegaly and neutropenia (increased risk of infection here)
What should be prescribed with MTX for RA?
Folic acid
What is the drug therapy for new RA diagnosis?
Analgesia
NSAID’s
Corticosteroids
1 DMARD