Arthritis Flashcards
Which painkillers are licensed for use in both rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis?
NSAIDs, paracetamol, and codeine.
What does DMARD stand for?
Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Give some examples of DMARDs licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Methotrexate, azathioprine, ciclosporin, antimalarials, leflunomide, cytokine modulators.
Define rheumatoid arthritis.
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the cells which line the joints, leading to pain and swelling. Over time this can damage joints, cartilage and nearby bone. Usually affecting the hands, feet, and wrists.
What are some risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis?
Being female, a family history of RA, if you smoke.
What are the main treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?
Medicine taken to relieve symptoms and slow progression of the condition. Supportive therapies such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy. Surgery to correct any joint damage.
Define osteoarthritis.
The protective cartilage which covers the end of bones in joints breaks down, causing bones to rub together. This causes pain, swelling and stiffness. Bony growths can develop. Almost any joint in the body can be affected.
What are some risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis?
Joint injury (over use after not allowing long enough to heal), other conditions (RA or gout), age, family history, obesity, being a woman.
Due to the risk of rare ocular toxicity, what steps must be carried out before initiation on hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis?
Assess renal and liver function, ask patient about visual impairment, record near visual acuity of each eye, initiate treatment if no abnormality is detected.
Due to the risk of rare ocular toxicity, what steps must be carried out during treatment with hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis?
Monitor visual acuity annually, seek medical advice if vision becomes impaired, routine slit lamp examination for children.
Give examples of cytokine modulators used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Adalimumab, etanercept, liximab.
What risk is associated with the use of cytokine modulators?
Severe infections such as TB, septicaemia, hep B reactivation.
Due to the risk of TB infection when taking cytokine modulators for rheumatoid arthritis, what monitoring is required before initiating treatment?
Assessment for TB. Pt should be advised to seek prompt medical attention should symptoms suggestive of TB occur.
If a patient has TB and requires treatment with cytokine modulators for rheumatoid arthritis what should be done before initiation?
TB should be treated for at least 2 months before starting therapy.
Whilst being treated with cytokine modulators for rheumatoid arthritis patients should seek prompt medical attention should they experience symptoms suggestive of blood disorders. What are these symptoms?
Fever, sore throat, bruising, bleeding.
