Clinical Aspects of RA Flashcards
define, in the context of RA, morning stiffness
in and around the joints, lasting at least 1 hour before maximal improvement
define, in the context of RA, arthritis of 3 or more joint areas
at least 3 joint areas simultaneously have had soft tissue swelling or fluid (not bony overgrowth alone) observed by a physician.
list the 14 possible areas for RA
left or right PIP MCP wrist elbow knee ankle MTP
define, in the context of RA, arthritis of the hand joints
at least 1 area swollen in a wrist, MCP, or PIP joint
define, in the context of RA, symmetric arthritis
simultaneous involvement of the same joint areas on both sides of the body (bilateral involvement of PIPs, MCPs, or MTP is acceptable without absolute symmetry)
define, in the context of RA, rheumatoid nodules
SC nodules, over bony prominences, or extensor surfaces, or in juxtaarticular regions, observed by a physician
define, in the context of RA, serum rheumatoid factor
demonstration of abnormal amounts of serum rheumatoid factor by any method for which the result has been positive in <5% of normal control subjects
define, in the context of RA, radiographic changes
Radiographic changes typical of rheumatoid arthritis on posteroanterior hand and wrist radiographs, which must include erosions or unequivocal bony decalcification localized in or most marked adjacent to the involved joints (osteoarthritis changes alone do not qualify)
M:F RA
1:3
age of onset RA
peak 4/5th decade but at any age from 16
immunologic investigation in RA
- Rheumatoid factor (IgG, IgM)
* Anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies (anti CCP, ACPA)
symptoms of RA
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Immobility
- Poor function
- Systemic symptoms
signs of RA
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Limitation of movement
- (Redness)
- (Heat)
systemic features of RA: non-specific
fatigue/lassitude
weight loss
anaemia
systemic features of RA: specific
eyes lungs nerves skin kidneys
