Chronic Conditions 1.2

Question 1

A complication of rheumatoid arthritis is visceral organ involvement. What is vasculitis and what risks does it pose?

Answer 1

It is inflammation of the blood vessels and the risks include ischemia, infarction, and cerebral injuries

Question 2

What is ankylosis?

Answer 2

A complication with rheumatoid arthritis which includes fusion of the joints due to inflammation and fibrosis

Question 3

What is synovitis?

Answer 3

A complication of rheumatoid arthritis which is inflammation of the synovial membrane which causes increased tissue layers like bunions

Question 4

What is fibromyalgia?

Answer 4

A chronic pain syndrome of unknown cause not due to inflammation and trauma

Question 5

What is the theory behind fibromyalgia?

Answer 5

• changes in the Central nervous system which causes an amplification of pain signals which likely involves neurotransmitter imbalances

Question 6

What are common areas for fibromyalgia pains? How many recognized trigger points are ther?

Answer 6

• mid traps and distal anterior acromial process
• 14 - 16 trigger points

Question 7

What is gout?

Answer 7

A type of inflammatory arthritis caused by deposition of Uria acid crystals in tissue

Question 8

Gout commonly affects what areas?

Answer 8

Areas with slower blood flow like feet, arms, and kidneys

Question 9

What forms the sharp needle like uric acid crystals?

Answer 9

Sodium is added to uric acid forming the crystals and deposits in joints, kidney tubules, and other tissues triggering inflammation

Question 10

What are risk factors for gout?

Answer 10

• high purine diet
• drinking beer
• kidney disease / impaired uric acid secretion
• genetics

Question 11

Uric acid is a byproduct of …

Answer 11

Purine metabolism

Question 12

Repeated gouty attacks can lead to…

Answer 12

• gouty arthritis
• chronic joint damage
• crystal deposits in the kidney which leads to nephropathy and kidney stones

Question 13

What medications can be used for gout attacks?

Answer 13

• NSAIDS
• Colchines to reduce crystal induced inflammation
• corticosteroids
• allopruniol
• probenecid

Question 14

What is the difference between allopurinol and probenecid?

Answer 14

Allopurinol: reduces uric acid production
Probenecid: increases uric acid excretion

Question 15

What is the management for fibromyalgia

Answer 15

• nerve pain medications
• cognitive behavioural therapy

Question 16

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