Introduction To Rheumatology And Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Is a chronic, auto immune, systemic illness characterised by a symmetrical peripheral arthritis and other systemic features
How many cases in Grampian?
- 4000 cases (40,000 in Scotland, aprox 1% of population)
Incidence cases in Grampian/annum
- Around 200 cases in Grampian/annum
What is the F:M ratio
- 3:1
What is the age onset
- Peak age: 4th/ 5th decade
(But may occur at any age from 16 years old)
Aetiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Genetics
- Environmental
- Cigarette smoking
- Chronic infection (periodontal disease)
RA investigation
- Immunology:
- Rheumatoid Factor (not a test to be offered)
- Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Antibodies (anti CCP, ACPA)
- X-Rays
- Clinical examination
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- help us to interpret the clinical signs better
What differentiate Rheumatoid Arthritis to other arthritis?
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a ‘systemic’ condition, meaning that it has an effect on the body as a whole, whereas osteoarthritis tends only to affect individual joints.
Is RA bilateral or unilateral?
- a symmetrical polyarthritis
How do we measure disease activity in RA?
Disease Activity Score
How do you use Disease Activity Score (DAS)?
- DAS<2.4 represents clinical remission
- DAS >5.1 represents eligibility for biologic therapy
How do you use Disease Activity Score (DAS)?
- DAS<2.4 represents clinical remission
- DAS >5.1 represents eligibility for biologic therapy
How many cases of RA is diagnosed during working life?
- 75%
Within two years what is the percentage of people that stopped working?
33%
Within 10 years of diagnoses what is the percentage of people that won’t be able to work due to disability?
50%
What is the average of sick day leaves for a person that has RA?
on average 40 days sick leave/year
What is the average of sick day leaves for a person that has RA?
on average 40 days sick leave/year
