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
2
Q
What is the presentation of a patient with RA?
A
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Immobility
- Poor function
- Systemic Symptoms
3
Q
How is RA diagnosed?
A
Immunology:
- Rheumatoid Factor (IgG, IgM)
- Anti cyclic citrullinated Antibodies (Anti CCP, ACPA)
4
Q
What are classic patient symptoms of RA?
A
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Immobility
- Poor function
- Systemic symptoms
5
Q
What are the clinical signs of RA?
A
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Limitation of movement
- Redness
- Heat
6
Q
What are the most commonly seen systemic symptoms associated with RA?
A
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Anaemia
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Nerves
- Skin
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
8
Q
What are the major cell types involved in RA?
A
- T lymphocytes
- Macrophages
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