Arthritis & Gout MT2 Flashcards
what is rheumatoid arthritis
- autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints
- affects joints first, then surrounding tissues may become affected
- usually occurs between 40 and 60 years of age
- 2 to 3 times more common in women
- genetic basis
what type of disease is RA directly linked to?
cardiovascular disesae
- increase in MI, stroke, heart failure and hypertension than non-RA patients
what are some symptoms of RA
- joint inflammation (swelling, redness, pain and stiffness)
chronic inflammation can lead to damage and deformity of joints
what are some tests that may be done to diagnosis someone with rheumatoid arthritis
- rheumatoid factor test
- anti-CCP antibody test
- complete blood count
- CRP (C-reactive protein)
- ESR (eryhtocyte sedimentation rate)
- ultrasound/MRI/X-ray
- synovial fluid analysis
what are some causes of RA
- infectious agents that deposit into the joints and cause inflammation
- genetic link/genetic inheritance
- environmental factors (smoking)
what is the difference between the 1980 pyramid approach of treatment of RA and how RA is treated now
1980 pyramid approach was that topical NSAIDs and aspirin were on the bottom of the pyramid. 2nd line therapy was initiated after a patient had proven radiographic damage. RA was considered a nuisance disease and the treatment of the disease was worse than its natural course, therefore symptomatic treatment only.
currently, pharmacological intervention is necessary early in order to prevent structural damage. multi drug therapy is not only well tolerated but is necessary. the goal is to put disease into remission
what are some non-pharmacological treatment options for RA
- patient education on nature of RA, coping mechanisms
- physical and occupational therapy for joint-strengthening and joint protection
- prevention of osteoporosis is RA and antiresorptive therapy for those who receive chronic corticosteroids
what are the “first line” drugs used to reduce inflammation in RA
NSAIDS and corticosteroids
what are the “second line” drugs used to promote remission of the disease and prevent progressive joint damage in RA
DMARDs and biologics or biologic response modifiers
corticosteroids are any of the steroidal hormones made by the _______ of the adrenal gland (e.g. cortisol)
cortex (outer layer)
true or false: steroids inhibit the synthesis of almost all known cytokines
true
what is the MOA of corticosteroids
they stimulate the synthesis of IF-kappa beta alpha, which is a protein that traps and therefore inactivates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB)
this is an activator of cytokine genes and mediator of the pro-inflammatory action of tumour necrosis factor and IL-1
nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB)
what are some possible side effects of corticosteroids
- increased appetite and weight gain
- deposits of fat in chest, face, upper back and stomach
- swelling and edema due to water and salt retention
- high blood pressure, diabetes
- slower healing of wounds
- black and blue marks
- osteoporosis
- increased susceptibility to infections
- cataracts
- muscle weakness
- thinning of the skin
- stomach ulcers
- increased sweating
- mood swings
what is the route of administration for corticosteroids
- oral
- topical (for eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, or rhinitis)
- parenteral/injection
- aerosol (for asthma)
do corticosteroids bind to proteins?
yes, bind to corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) and albumin in the blood and then enter cells by diffusion
what is the half life of hydrocortisone
90 min. main effect lasts for 2-8 hrs
cortisone and prednisone are inactive until converted in vivo to ______________
hydrocortisone
what organ metabolizes corticosteroids
liver
what are some examples of medications that should be taken with NSAIDs to offset side effects
-antacids (Sucralfate)
- PPIs (lansoprazole, etc)
- PG analogues (misoprostol)
examples include methotrexate, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, biologics, gold salts, penicillamine, cyclosporin and cyclophosphamide
DMARDs - disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
this specific DMARD is classified as an anti-metabolite, but in RA the MOA seems more anti-inflammatory than anti-metabolite. it is an inhibitor of folate (vit. b6) metabolism
methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
what is the MOA of methotrexate for RA
- it inhibits leukotriene synthesis and dihydrofolate reductase
- decreases TNF concentrations
net effect: a decrease in T and B cell proliferation and a decrease in rapidly dividing synoviocytes. there is promotion of apoptosis of activated peripheral T cells
how much methotrexate is absorbed orally
70% but variable depending on dose
in terms of distribution, how much methotrexate is bound to proteins
50% bound to plasma proteins
how and how fast is methotrexate excreted
primarily by urine within 48 hrs (clearance may be diminished in elderly and those with decreased renal fxn)
what are some side effects of methotrexate
contraindicated in pregnancy
- generally well tolerated, but may see some of the following SE’s with high doses
- mouth sores
- headaches
- dizziness
- hair loss
- stomtitis
- drowsiness
- itching, rash
- low WBCs
- folate deficiency
- accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis
- can also have severe liver and bone marrow toxicity, therefore patients need to be monitored
this is an isoxazole derivative
Leflunomide (Avara)
what the MOA of leflunomide
it completely inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase which is required for de novo synthesis of pyrimidines. this blocks the proliferative lymphocyte response in inflammation
true or false: lefluonomide is a prodrug that is converted to active metabolite A77 1726
true
this is highly protein bound and has a half life of 15-18 days. it undergoes extensive enterohepatic recirculation. persisting drug levels seen 1-2 years after discontinuation. not recommended in patients with advanced renal disease
leflunomides active metabolite (A77 1726)
what are some adverse effects and side effects of leflunomide
adverse effects: hepatotoxicity. contraindicated in preganancy - d/c 2 years before attempts at pregnancy
side effects: diarrhea, hair loss, reduction in WBC and RBC, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, itching, rash