Arthritis Flashcards
Rheumatoid arthritis is an…
Inflammatory symmetrical, polyarticular arthritis of the small joints.
Risk factors for R. arthritis
Family history
Female > Male (3:1)
Other autoimmune disorders:
Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with HLA ______
DR1 and DR4
Pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis involves the chronic inflamamtion of…
Synovial lining of the joints, tendon sheaths and bursa
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Morning stiffness (45 mins)
- Relieved after movement
Swollen, tender joints
Constitutional features: fatigue, myalgia, mild fever, weight loss
Signs of rheumatoid arthritis
Hand deformities
- Swan neck
- Boutonnière
- Ulnar deviation of MCPJ
- Z thumb
Atlantoaxial subluxation
Extra-articular features of rheumatoid arthritis
Pulmonary
- Pulmonary fibrosis/ nodules
- Bronchiolitis obliterans (small airway obstruction)
Secondary Sjogren’s
Episcleritis/ Scleritis
Swan neck deformity describes the…
Hyperextension of the PIP and flexion of the DIP
Boutonnière deformity describes the…
Flexion of the PIP and hyperextension of the DIPs.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a _________ that binds to _________
IgM autoantibody that binds to the Fc region of IgG
Initial investigations for rheumatoid arthritis
FBC
- Anaemia of chronic disease
CRP, ESR
- May be raised
RF
- Raised in majority
Anti-CCP
- Most specific
X-ray hands
Early X-ray findings of rheumatoid arthritis
Periarticular osteopenia
Loss of joint space
Soft tissue swelling
Late X-ray findings of rheumatoid arthritis
Periarticular erosions
Subluxation
The DAS28 score describes ________ for ________
Disease activity score for rheumatoid arthritis.
Features of DAS28 score
28 joints:
- Number of swollen joints
- Number of tender joints
- ESR/ CRP level
- Patient’s global assessment of health (0-10, higher being worse)
The DAS28 score is used to…
Establish a baseline and assess the effectiveness of therapy used in Rheumatoid arthritis.
The DAS28 score is used to…
Establish a baseline and assess the effectiveness of therapy used in Rheumatoid arthritis.
Non-pharmacological management of RA
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Podiatry
Good diet
Acute flares in Rheumatoid arthritis are controlled by…
NSAIDs
Corticosteroids (Prednisolone)
The first-line long-term pharamacological management of RA is…
DMARD monotherapy
- Methotrexate
- Leflunomide
- Sulfasalazine
Mild disease= hydroxychloroquine
Second-line long term pharmacological management of RA is…
Combination of DMARDs
- Methotrexate
- Sulfasalazine
- Leflunomide
Biologics are used to treat RA when…
A trial of at least 2 DMARDs fail to show substantial improvement.
RA has a worse prognosis for…
Younger, males
When a higher number of joints are affected
When there are erosions on an X-ray
What co-morbidities need to be screened for in RA
Osteoporosis/ osteopenia (FRAX)
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease (QRISK)
Mood disorder
What vaccinations are encouraged for RA
Pneumococcal and influenza
What blood tests need to be carried out before starting DMARD
FBC, LFTs
- Especially for methotrexate (myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity)
Gout is caused by intra-articular deposits of ________
Monosodium urate crystals (due to high uric acid levels)
Risk factors of gout
Male
Metabolic syndrome
Alcohol syndrome
Diuretics
High purine diet (seafood, meat)
What joint is most commonly affected in gout
1st metatarsal phalangeal joint
What joints are commonly affected in gout
Wrists
1st carpometacarpal joint
Presentation of gout
Acute, hot, swollen joint pain (oligo/polyarthritis)
Severe pain
Gouty tophi (common in DIPJ)
Investigations for gout
Bloods
- CRP
Joint aspirate and microscopy
X-ray
Joint aspirate findings for gout
Needle-shaped crystals
Negative birefringent of polarised light
X-ray findings for gout
Maintained joint space
Lytic bone/ punched out lesions