DMARDs Flashcards
first line therapy for RA
methotrexate if preferred, NSAIDs for rapid symptom relief, important to start DMARDs immediately to avoid permanent joint damage.
combination therapy for patient who do not reach remission within 3 to 6 months
glucocorticoids - chemistry
lipophilic and well absorbed from GI tract, hepatic metabolism to active component
mimics the actions of endogenous cortisol
intracellular receptor - induces transcription - causes transrepression of inflammatory genes
drug use leads to feedback inhibition of the HPA axis which decreases the release of cortisol. Abrupt cessation of glucocorticoids can cause a cortisol deficit
cortisol- effects
maintain metabolic homeostasis: carbs, protein, lipid metabolism and electrolyte balance
cardiovascular, skeletal muscle and CNS effects
suppression of the immune system - inhbits PG and leukotriene synthesis, reduces macrophage activity, reduce numbers of circulating WBC and inhibition of neutrophil release of collagenase and lysosomal enzymes
certain hormones only work in the presence of cortisol
Glucocorticoid use in RA
bridging therapy - low-dose for immediate symptom control while waiting for the effects of DMARDs
intra-articular therapy - injection into joint, limited to few joints. used for management of acute exacerbation of RA and control of extra-articular manifestations.
general effects of glucocorticoid therapy
pallative - not curative or specific
dosing is trial and error, start large and taper down until minimally effective dose is achieved
duration is administration influences toxicity, dosing accumulates
In life-threatening disease - large dose with tapering
exhibits withdrawal
Glucocorticoids adverse effects
dose dependent - cumulative
hypertension, hyperglycemia, central obesity with cervical fatpad and moon face with erythema
skeletal muslce wasting and thin fragile skin
menstrual irregularties and hirsiutism
increased ocular pressure -> cataracts
causes growth retardation in children
osteoporosis
euphoria or depression
increased risk of infection and impaired wound healing
peptic ulcers
(CUSHING)
what are the complications of abrupt glucocorticoid withdrawal?
abrupt adrenal insufficiency - severe abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, profound muscle weakness, hypotension, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and shock
shock leads to death
disease flare ups
General charateristics of DMARDs
They have little anti-inflammatory or analegesic effects
clinical benefit is delayed for weeks to months
serology titers decrease with treatment (RF, CRP, ESR)
Retards the development of bone erosion
Methotrexate - PK
folate antimetabolite - used for anticancer and in smaller doses RA - can be given orally for RA
50% protein binding with narrow therapeutic window
polyglutamated within cell into active form then renally excreted
Methotrexate - mech of effect
DHFR inhibition - blocks DNA/RNA synthesis
TYMS inhibition - blocks formation of thimydylate which impairs DNA synthesis and repair
AICAR formyl transferase inhibition - accumulation of AICAR. AICAR inhibits adenosine and AMP deaminases - produces antiinflammatory affect mediation by of adenosine
Methotrexate anti-inflammatory affects
suppression of neutrophils, macrophages, DCs, lymphocytes and PMN chemotaxis
Methotrexate antiproliferation
direct inhibitory effect on proliferation, stimulation of apoptosis, inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines linked to rheumatoid synovitis
methotraxate therapy in RA
oral - once weekly
long term efficacy
toxicites are well understood and managed
combination with other agents increase efficacy
approved for idiopathic juvenile arthritis
methotraxate adverse effects
GI toxic - hepatotoxicity: can be reduced with folate rescue
bone marrow toxicitiy
nephrotoxicity
lymphomas
pneomonitis
dermatologic
phototoxicity
opportunistic infection
infertility and menstrual irregulatities
contraindicated in pregnancy or breast feeding
folate rescue
taken once daily to reduce incidence of GI and liver function abnormalities
not working? leucovorin, weekly (5,10-MTFH)