Clinical Aspects of RA Flashcards

1
Q

What is the prevelance of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

A
  • Approximately 1% of population have RA
  • Females: Males 3:1
  • Peak age of onset is 4th/5th decade
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2
Q

What is the presentation of a patient with RA?

A
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Immobility
  • Poor function
  • Systemic Symptoms
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3
Q

How is RA diagnosed?

A

Immunology:

  • Rheumatoid Factor (IgG, IgM)
  • Anti cyclic citrullinated Antibodies (Anti CCP, ACPA)
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4
Q

What are classic patient symptoms of RA?

A
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Immobility
  • Poor function
  • Systemic symptoms
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5
Q

What are the clinical signs of RA?

A
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Limitation of movement
  • Redness
  • Heat
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6
Q

What are the most commonly seen systemic symptoms associated with RA?

A
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Anaemia
  • Eyes
  • Lungs
  • Nerves
  • Skin
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7
Q

How is the severity of RA assessed in patients?

A
  • Disease Activity Score (DAS)
  • < 2.4 represents clinical remission
  • > 5.1 represents eligibility for biologic therapy
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8
Q

What are the major cell types involved in RA?

A
  • T lymphocytes
  • Macrophages
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9
Q

What is the major pathological process occuring in RA?

A
  • Synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane)
  • Inflammation causes pannus (granulation tissue) to form at the edge of the synovial membrane
  • The pannus causes tissue damage and starts to disintengrate the bone and cartilage
  • As bone and cartilage disintegrate, calprotectin levels rise which act as a useful biomarker
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