Exam 1 -- Rheumatology #2 Flashcards
True or false: rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis
True.
True or false: rheumatoid arthritis presents bilaterally and symmetrically
True.
Does RA present peripherally or axially?
Peripherally
True or false: RA leads to destruction of bone, cartilage, and tendons, but not of ligaments.
False; it leads to destruction of all of these.
What percentage of the US population is affected with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
1%
Which gender has a higher incidence of RA?
Women (3:1)
What is the most common age of onset for RA?
45-75 years
True or false: pregnancy can be protective against RA.
True.
Which populations have a higher incidence of RA? Which have a lower incidence?
White and hispanic; African American and Chinese
True or false: RA is genetically associated with HLA-B27
False; HLA-B27 is associated with the spondyloathrothopy conditions, not RA.
True or false: smoking, obesity, and heavy coffee drinking are all considered risk factors for RA
True.
How many joints must be affected in order to diagnose a condition as RA?
More than 3
Which joint(s) of the fingers are affected by RA?
MCP and PIP, not DIP (the proximal two joints, but not the distal joint)
What symptoms may be indicative of RA?
Pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement of small joints. Less common: weight loss, fever, fatigue, malaise
The symptoms of RA can be similar to the symptoms of an infection. How long do the symptoms of RA last?
More than 6 weeks (longer than symptoms from an infection)
True or false: the pain from RA is worse in the morning and gets better with activity.
True.
How quickly can arthritis manifest from the onset of RA (not diagnosis, but onset)?
Within 3-6 months
What is citrullination? What effect does it have in terms of inflammation?
The conversion of an arginine to a citrulline. In the synovial fluid, the citrullinated site fits into the antigen binding site of HLA. This starts an inflammatory response.
Part of testing for RA can involve testing for Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies (ACPAs). What percentage of RA patients have ACPAs?
50-70%
Rheumatoid factor is associated with what Ig? Which portion of which other Ig does it target?
IgM; Fc portion of IgG
What percentage of RA patients have rheumatoid factor?
70%
Rheumatoid factor is found in what percentage of healthy patients over the age of 70?
25%
What term is used to indicate a lack of rheumatoid factor?
Seronegative
If a patient tests positive for both RF and ACPA, what is the likelihood that they have RA?
80-97%
Which Ig is the largest?
IgM
Which Ig is the fastest responder?
IgM
Which Ig can cross the placenta?
IgG
Which Ig is the most common?
IgG (75% of all Ig)
Which Ig is found in bodily fluids (tears, saliva, breast milk, etc.)?
IgA
Which Ig is involved in allergic responses?
IgE
Rheumatoid factor can be associated with viral infections. Can ACPA also be associated with viral infections?
No
True or false: about 25% of patients in the advanced stages of RA have rheumatoid nodules.
True.
Where can rheumatoid nodules be found?
Toes, elbows, knuckles, spine, lungs, heart, liver, skin
True or false: rheumatoid nodules are tender to the touch
False; they are non-tender
What medication can cause rheumatoid nodules?
Methotrexate
What is a normal value for a CRP?
Less than 1.0 mg/dL (less than 10 mg/L)
What is a normal value for an ESR?
For males: less than half their age in years; for females, less than half of (their age in years + 10)