Arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
Define rheumatoid arthritis
A
- a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder with autoimmune origin
2
Q
Rheumatoid arthritis demographics
A
- 1-2% of the US population
- Females > males
- typically onset at 20-40 years old
3
Q
Risk factors for RA
A
- autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s/hypothyroidism and Graves/hyperthyroidism)
- hormones
- infection
- genetics
- environmental
4
Q
Clinical characteristics for RA
A
- usually effects symmetrically
- wrists, fingers, knees, ankles, & feet are the most commonly effected
5
Q
Joint symptoms for RA
A
- morning stiffness > 1 hour
- joints may feel warm, tender, and stiff when not used for an hour
- joint pain is symmetrical
- loss of ROM
- deformity
6
Q
Other symptoms of RA
A
- chest pain when taking a breath (pleurisy)
- dry eyes & mouth (Sjogren syndrome)
- numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands & feet
- sleep difficulties
- nodules under the skin
7
Q
Pathogenesis of RA
A
- synovial membrane proliferation
- infiltration of immune cells (T lymphocytes) into synovial tissue
- edema
- tumor necrosis factor (TNF) & interleukin 1 (IL-1) perpetuate the inflammatory process
8
Q
What does stimulate secretion of protein degrading enzymes cause
A
- cartilage destruction
- synovial hyperplasia
- inhibition of bone formation
9
Q
Pathology of synovitis
A
- synovial hyperplasia
- destruction of articular cartilage
- Pannus formation
- increased intracapsular pressure
- joint surface irregularities
10
Q
Describe the Pannus
A
- destructive vascular granulation tissue
- disrupts synovial function
- destroys collagen, cartilage, and subchondral bone
11
Q
Diagnostic testing for RA
A
- Rheumatoid factor
- Anti-CCP antibody test (very specific so if it is positive you have RA)
12
Q
Describe Rheumatoid factor
A
- autoantibody: antibody directed against an individual’s own proteins (blood, synovial fluid, or synovial membranes)
- 80% Rh positive
- 5% false negative
13
Q
Describe anti-CCP
A
- anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody
- 100% specificity (if pos. you have it) and 50% sensitivity (if neg. you don’t have it)
- <20 negative and >60 high/strong positive
14
Q
Other diagnostic tests for RA
A
- C-reactive protein
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- CBC
- X rays
- Synovial fluid analysis
15
Q
Describe erythrocyte sedimentation rate
A
- relative activity of disease process
- non-specific measure of inflammation
16
Q
Describe synovial fluid exam
A
- increased WBC (white blood cell count)
- signs of breakdown: increased collagenase and increased debris (proteins)
17
Q
Describe radiography for RA
A
- irregular joint surfaces
- joint space narrowing
- abnormal joint alignment
18
Q
Joint manifestations of RA
A
- edema
- warmth
- pain
- stiffness
- decreased ROM
- symmetrical