4.1.2 ARD Treatments

Question 1

How do you treat ARDs?

Answer 1

Patient education
- Lifestyle modification
- Sunscreen use

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Azathioprine
- Mycophenolate

Steroids
- Prednisolone
- Methylprednisolone

Severe cases give IV Cyclophosphamide

Question 2

Lupus mnemonic

Answer 2

A RASH POINTS Medical Diagnosis

ANA positive
Renal abnormalities
Arthralgia/arthritis
Serositis
Haematologic abnormalities
Photosensitivity
Oral ulcers
Immunological abnormalities
Neurologic abnormalities
Malar rash/ Discoid rash

Thrombocytopenia
Scalp changes

Question 3

Why can poor dentition lead to lupus?

Answer 3

Citrulline and antibody build-up

Question 4

Who is affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 4

Female : Male, 3:1
1/100
No race predilection
Genetic and environmental factors

Question 5

How do you take a history for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 5

Current symptoms
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Pattern of joint involvement

Evolution
- Acute or chronic
- Associated events
- Reponse to treatment
- Family history

Involvement of other systems
- Skin, eye, lung
- Malaise, weight loss, fevers, night sweats?

Impact on patient’s life

Question 6

Complete the table= make card later

Question 7

How do you treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 7

Start disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
- Methotrexate
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Sulfasalazine
- Leflunomide

Steroids
- Prednisolone
- Methylprednisolone

Combination therapy is usual

Question 8

What is the first line treatment of lupus?

Answer 8

Methotrexate

Question 9

When is rheumatoid arthritis worse?

Answer 9

Worse at night, disease of wear and tear, worse at the end of the day after use