Autoimmune Disorders: RA Flashcards
What type of disorder is RA?
chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder
What causes RA?
unknown
What tissues does RA predominately affect?
synovial tissues
Who gets RA most often?
women affected 2x more than men
RA is most commonly dx between:
20 and 40 y.o.
Predominance of cases diagnosed after 60 y.o.
⅓
What are 2 risk factors for RA?
- specific gene on chromosome 6
- encounters some agent, RA expressed
When and how much joint erosion occurs?
90% of pts have significant joint erosion within 2 years of dx
early intervention is KEY
What is the acronym for clinical s/s of dx RA
SERIOUS
SERIOUS: S
S
Swelling in joints
SERIOUS: E
E
Early AM stiffness
SERIOUS: R
R
Recurring pain/tenderness in any joint
SERIOUS: I
I
Inability to move a joint normally
SERIOUS: O
O
Obvious redness and warmth
SERIOUS: U
U
Unexplained stuff
What is some of the unexplained stuff from RA?
- weight loss
- fever
- weakness with joint pain
SERIOUS: S (second S)
S
Symptoms lasting longer than 2 weeks
Proportion of people diagnosed at a younger age
⅔ of people dx at a younger age
Younger (30-50): who gets this?
2:1 ratio of women to men
Older (60+): who gets this?
equal ratio women to men
Younger (30-50): joint involvement (#)
polyarticular
Older (60+): joint involvement (#)
oligoarticular
Younger (30-50): which joints are involved?
small joints
Older (60+): which joints are involved?
large joints
