Exam 4 Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis Flashcards
What is the cause of osteoarthritis?
Degenerative changes in cartilage and the associated bone
What joints are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis?
Distal interphalangeal joint, hips, knees
What patients are at a higher risk of getting OA?
Females, older patients, obesity, repetitive stress, major joint trauma, heredity, congenital/anatomical defects, muscle weakness
Are Herberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes characteristic of OA or RA?
Osteoarthritis
Which is associated with systemic symptoms: OA or RA?
RA
Which has asymmetric involvement: OA or RA?
OA
What arthritis symptoms could be similar to tendinitis or strain?
Pain, worse with activity, inflammation, weight bearing joint instability, crepitus
How long does morning stiffness last in osteoarthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis?
OA: under an hour. RA: over an hour
Which arthritis develops osteophytes?
OA
Which arthritis develops pannus?
RA
Which arthritis has an elevated ESR?
RA
Which arthritis can develop at any age?
RA
Which arthritis has absent or mild inflammation?
OA
What non-pharmacologic first steps can we take in OA?
Psychological support, education, rest/activity balance, weight loss, heat/ice, physical and occupational therapy
What step 2 options are available for OA?
Acetaminophen, topicals (menthol/camphor/oil of wintergreen, capsaicin cream, diclofenac), and glucosamine/chondroitin
How is acetaminophen used?
500mg q4-6h (nmt 6/24 hours) (scheduled)
MAX: 3g/day
2-4 week trial
What patients are at highest risk for hepatotoxicity?
Pts with heavy EtOH intake, pre-existing liver disease, elevated liver enzymes
How do menthol, camphor, and oil of wintergreen work to relieve OA?
Counter-irritant, applied sparingly multiple times per day. Avoid eye contact! More prn use.
How does capsaicin cream work to relieve OA?
Capsaicin depletes substance p, applied sparingly to joint several times daily (2-4).
Can cause burning, stinging, redness
How does diclofenac work to relieve OA?
Local inhibition of COX-2 enzymes. Do not give in combination with systemic NSAIDS
Gel: apply to joint QID, MAX 16g daily
Solution: 10 drops to each joint QID
ADE: burning, stinging, pain, garlic smell/taste from solution vehicle
How does glucosamine/chondroitin work to relieve OA?
It stimulates proteoglycan synthesis from articular cartilage.
Given 500mg/400mg tab PO TID, stick to one herbal product.
Slow onset – >4 weeks (3 month trial)
ADE: gas, gloating, cramping, nausea, increased insulin resistance (concern for DM, HTN, HLD)
What step 3 agents can we use to treat OA?
NSAIDS at analgesic dose, COX-2 selective inhibitors, and NSAID/protective combo products
How long should you try NSAIDS?
1-2 week trial for pain, 2-4 week trial if inflammation present
Try different NSAIDs before moving up a step
What ADEs are we concerned about with NSAIDS?
GI upset, GI ulcers, bleeding, renal dysfunction, increased BP