Clinical Aspects of RA Flashcards
What are some of the general treatments for RA?
Medicines
Injections
Therapies
Surgery
What are the four different categories of therapeutics?
NSAIDs
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
Biologics
Coricosteroids (oral, IM, IA)
what are the most commonly used DMARDs?
methotrexate
sulfasalazine
hydroxychloroquine
leflunomide
give some examples of biologics
TNFa inhibitors IL-1 inhibitors (anakinra) anti-B cell therapies (CD20, rituximab) anti-T cell therapies (abatacept) IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab)
what is the eular criteria for RA?
A. Joint involvement
- 1 large joint - 0
- 2-10 large joints - 1
- 1-3 small joints (with/out large joints) - 2
- 4-10 small joints (with/out large joints) - 3
- > 10 joints (at least 1 small joint) - 5
B. Serology
- negative RF and negative ACPA - 0
- low-positive RF or low-positive ACPA - 2
- high-positive RF or high-positive ACPA - 3
C. Acute phase reactants
- normal CRP and normal ESR - 0
- abnormal CRP or abnormal ESR - 1
D. Duration of symptoms
- <6 weeks - 0
- > 6 weeks - 1
what are the two components of RA’s aetiology
genetics and environment
what investigations should be done for ra
immunology - rheumatoid factor (IgG, IgM), anti cyclic citrullinated antibodies (anti CCP, ACPA)
symptoms of arthritis
pain stiffness immobility poor function systemic symptoms
clinical signs of arthritis
swelling tenderness limitation of movement redness heat
what are some of the non-specific systemic features of ra
fatigue
weight loss
anaemia