Autoimmune Disorders: RA

Question 1

What type of disorder is RA?

Answer 1

chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder

Question 2

What causes RA?

Answer 2

unknown

Question 3

What tissues does RA predominately affect?

Answer 3

synovial tissues

Question 4

Who gets RA most often?

Answer 4

women affected 2x more than men

Question 5

RA is most commonly dx between:

Answer 5

20 and 40 y.o.

Question 6

Predominance of cases diagnosed after 60 y.o.

Answer 6

⅓

Question 7

What are 2 risk factors for RA?

Answer 7

• specific gene on chromosome 6

- encounters some agent, RA expressed

Question 8

When and how much joint erosion occurs?

Answer 8

90% of pts have significant joint erosion within 2 years of dx

early intervention is KEY

Question 9

What is the acronym for clinical s/s of dx RA

Answer 9

SERIOUS

Question 10

SERIOUS: S

Answer 10

S

Swelling in joints

Question 11

SERIOUS: E

Answer 11

E

Early AM stiffness

Question 12

SERIOUS: R

Answer 12

R

Recurring pain/tenderness in any joint

Question 13

SERIOUS: I

Answer 13

I

Inability to move a joint normally

Question 14

SERIOUS: O

Answer 14

O

Obvious redness and warmth

Question 15

SERIOUS: U

Answer 15

U

Unexplained stuff

Question 16

What is some of the unexplained stuff from RA?

Answer 16

• weight loss
• fever
• weakness with joint pain

Question 17

SERIOUS: S (second S)

Answer 17

S

Symptoms lasting longer than 2 weeks

Question 18

Proportion of people diagnosed at a younger age

Answer 18

⅔ of people dx at a younger age

Question 19

Younger (30-50): who gets this?

Answer 19

2:1 ratio of women to men

Question 20

Older (60+): who gets this?

Answer 20

equal ratio women to men

Question 21

Younger (30-50): joint involvement (#)

Answer 21

polyarticular

Question 22

Older (60+): joint involvement (#)

Answer 22

oligoarticular

Question 23

Younger (30-50): which joints are involved?

Answer 23

small joints

Question 24

Older (60+): which joints are involved?

Answer 24

large joints

Question 25

Younger (30-50): onset

Answer 25

gradual onset

Question 26

Older (60+): onset

Answer 26

abrupt onset

Question 27

Younger (30-50): RF

Answer 27

positive RF

Question 28

Older (60+): RF

Answer 28

negative RF

Question 29

What is a huge red flag for RA?

Answer 29

cervical spine involvement

Question 30

When does c-spine involvement occur with RA?

Answer 30

occurs in advanced disease

Question 31

What is the first sign of c-spine involvement with RA?

Answer 31

global cervical spine stiffness

Question 32

What causes cervical laxity seen with RA?

Answer 32

inflammation of supporting ligaments

Question 33

Implications of c-spine laxity with RA?

Answer 33

• C1-C2
• may get atlantoaxial subluxation
• can get SC compression

Question 34

Referral with RA and c-spine issues

Answer 34

must have an immediate referral!