Medicine Flashcards
How to decribe the distribution of joint that are involved in arthritis ?
- Polyarticular : symmetric involvement is seen in RA , SLE, parvovirus B19 and hepatitis B.
- Monoarticular: seen in osteoarthritis, crystal- induced arthritis (gout and pseudogout), septic arthritis (gonococcus), truma and hemarthrosis.
- Migratory: Inflammation and pain migrate from joint to joint while the previous involved joint improve, caused by rheumatic fever, disseminated gonococal infection, and lyme disease.
- Oligoarticular: asymmetric arthritis , with spondyloarthropathies (ankylosing spondylitis) and ostioarthritis involving the small joint of the uppper extremities.
What are the basic tests to run on the synovial fluid ?
3 Cs: Cultures Cell count Crystals \+ Gram stain.
What is the shape of crystals in synvoial fluid analysis in gout and pseudogout disease ?
Gout: Needle - shaped, negative birefringent
Pseudogout: rhomboid - shaped, positive birefringent.
Name some of the specific AntiNuclear Antibodies (ANA) and thier diseases
- Anti - native dsDNA (native double stranded) —> SLE only (indicator of disease activity and lupus nephritis.
- Anti- SM (Anti-Smith) —> SLE only 25 - 30%.
- Anti-histone —> Drug - induced lupus.
- Anti- Ro (SSA) Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigen A autoantibodies —> Neonatal lupus , Sjögren’s and in the 3% of ANA- negative lupus.
- Anti- LA (SSB) —> Sjögren.
- Anti- centromere —> CREST
- Anti - RNP —> 100% mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).
- Anti- CCP (cyclic citrullinated Peptide) —> RA
What is CREST syndrome ?
CREST syndrome, also known as the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), is a multisystem connective tissue disorder. The acronym "CREST" refers to the five main features: Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia.
What are Rheumatoid factors ?
They are autoantibodies against the Fc portion of IgG.
found in 70% of patients with RA although they are not specific for RA.
As they are not specific nor sensitive to RA diagnosis, it can help in prognosis, as patients with high titers tend to have more aggressive disease with extra-articular manifestations.
What are ANCAs (Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) ?
They are antibodies directed against certain proteins in the cytoplasm of neutrophils.
In which diseases you see a positive cANCA ((Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) ?
Wegener granulomatosis
In which diseases you see a positive pANCA ((Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) ?
PAN and churg- Strauss
What is Antiphospholipid syndrome (lupus anticoagulant or anticardiolipin antibodies) ?
It is an autoimmune, hypercoagulable state, associated with a group of antibodies that are directted against phospholipids or cardiolipins. Which causes elevated PTT and false-positive RPR ( rapid plasma reagin) or VDRL (Venereal disease research laboratory).
In which patients we usually suspect Antiphospholipid syndrome?
In patients with sponataneous abortions in otherwise healthy women.
2 first- trimester spontaneous abortions suggests Antiphospholipid syndrome
What is rheumatoid arthritis ?
It is a chronic inflammatory multisystemic disease with the main target being the synovium.
The hallmark of RA is inflammatory synovitis.
Why is RA is very rare in patients with HIV ?
Because in RA, the predominant infiltrating cell is the T lymphocyte. And HIV patients has decreased T-cells.
What are the pro-inflammatory cytokines that mediate most of the pathogenic features of RA ?
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a)
- Interlukin-1 (IL-1)
- Interlukin-6 (IL-6).
What are the clinical diagnostic criteria of RA ?
4 of the following is required to diagnose RA:
1- Morning stiffness >1 hour for 6 weeks.
2- Swelling of wrists, MCP (metacarpophalangeal joints), PIPs (proximal interphalangeal joints) for 6 weeks.
3- Swelling of 3 joints for 6 weeks
4- Symmetric joint swelling for 6 weeks.
5- RF positive or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide.
6- CRP or ESR
Which joints are NEVER involved in RA ?
- DIPs (distal interphalangeal joints).
2. Joints of the lower back
What are the extra-articular manifestations of RA ?
- Damage to the ligaments and tendons :
- Radial deviation of the wrist with ulnar deviation of the digits.
- Boutonniere deformity
- Swan neck deformity.
- Rheumatoid nodules:
- Methotrexate may flare this process.
- Felty syndrome (RA + splenomegaly + neutropenia)
- Caplan syndrome (RA + pneumoconiosis).
Which is more specific , Anti-CCP or RF ?
Anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated Peptide)
Why does COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2 ) inhibitors is preferred over COX-1 inhibitors in RA ?
** both are types of NSAIDs
because COX-2 inhibitors are selectively blocks the COX-2 enzymes at the site of inflammation and they don’t inhibit COX-1 , which is an enzyme that helps with the production of the protective stomach lining.
How to treat RA in general ?
- NSAIDs
- Glucocorticoids (short courses)
- Disease - modifying anti- rheumatic drugs DMARDs.
What is the best initaial Disease - modifying anti- rheumatic drugs DMARDs in RA ?
and what to use next if disease is not controlled ?
Methotrexate
If not controlled —> Anti - Tumor necrosis factor TNF.
What are the adverse effect of the following DMARDs and how to screen for thier toxicity ?
- Methotrexate:
- Hydroxychloroquine:
Methotrexate:
- Rapid onset of action
- S/E: hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis , pneumonitis, may flare rheumatoid nodules
- Screeing: CBC and LFT Q4-8 weeks.
Hydroxychloroquine:
- S/E : Retinopathy
- Screeing: Regular eye examination
Which screening is crucial before starting biological agents (TNF inhibitors) ?
TB screening
+ HCV and HBV
Name the 3 TNF inhibitors that are approved for the treatment of RA .
- Infliximab (Remicade)
- Adalimumab (Humira)
- Etanercept (Enbrel).
What are the factors of aggressive RA ?
- High titers pf RF
- Diffuse rheumatoid nodules
- Early jointd erosions
- Late age of onset
- Certain subtypes of the HLA-DR4.
Which condition must be ruled out in patients with RA espically if they are going under an elective surgery and intubation ?
Atlantoaxial subluxation.
order x-ray of the cervical spine (multiple views including open mouth). Proceed to CT and MRI if needed and refer to spine surgeon if positive.
Which condition should be considered in RA patients with swollen painfull calf ?
Ruptured Baker cyst.
Baker cyst is the extension of inflammed synovium into the popliteal space.
What is the only enviromental factor that causes systemic lupus erythematosus flares ?
Ultraviolet (UV) - B light
What are the diagnostic criteria of SLE ?
you need 4 out of the following:
- Malar rash
- Discoid rash
- Photosensitivity
- Oral ulcers
- Arthritis
- Serositis (Pleuritis or pericarditis)
- Renal involvement
- Neurologic disorder ( seizures or psychosis)
- Hematologic disorder ( hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).
- Immunologic disorder (anti-dsDNA, ani-SM, and other ANAs.
how to differentiate between arthritis in RA and in SLE ?
In SLE it’s non erosive
What is Libman- Sacks endocarditis ?
It is a noninfectious endocarditis that is occasionally seen in lupus patients.
What is oftenly used ti treat lupus nephritis ?
Mycophenolate
What is the most common cause of disability in patients with SLE ?
Lupus nephritis
Which antibodies should be screened in pregnant patients with SLE and why ?
All pregnant patients with SLE should be screened for SSA/anti-Ro antibodies, because they cross the placenta and are passively transferred to the fetus, causing neonatal lupus and heart block.
Name the common medications that causes drug-induced lupus.
- Hydralazine
- Isoniazid
- Procainamide
- Quinidine
What is Systemic scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis ?
It is a chronic rheumatoid multisystemic disease, characterized clinically by thickening of the skin caused by accumulation of connective tissue and by involvement of visceral organs (GI, lungs and kidneys).
What is the leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis ?
Pulmonary involvement
What is CREST syndrome?
It is a variant of scleroderma, now it’s called limited scleroderma or limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
- Calcinosis (deposits of Ca in joints)
- Raynaud
- Esophageal dysfunction
- Sclerodactyly (skin thickening affecting fingers and toes).
- Telangictasias.
What is Raynaud phenomenon ?
It is an episodes of pallor or cynosis in response to to cold or emotional stimuli. The pallor is caused by vasoconstriction of blood vessels which results in decrease blood flow. while cyanosis is created by deoxygenation of slow- flowing blood.
How to treat systemic sclerosis ?
There is no cure.
Only symptomatic treatment:
- D- penicillamine for skin manifestation
- CCB (Nifedipine) in severe Raynaud phenomenon
- ACE inhibitors for HTN
What is xerostomia ?
Dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow.
What is Sjogren syndrome ?
It is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, resulting in xerostomia and dry eyes.
It can be primary or secondary (with other autoimmune diseases).
As the syndrome progresses, it becomes a systemic disease involving major organs and may cause lymphoproliferative disease ( malignant lymphoma).
What are the clinical manifestations of Sjogren syndrome?
- Itchy eyes with a sandy feeling (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
- Difficulty swallowing food.
- Increase in dental carries.
- Parotid enlargement
- Schirmer’s test show decreased tear production and rose bengal stain.
- ANAs positive : Anti-Ro (SSA), Anti-La (SSB).
- Lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary glands on biopsy
What is the ttreatment of Sjogren syndrome?
symptomatic only:
- Artificial tears.
- Pilocarpine and Cevimeline —> increases acetylcholine and increases tear and saliva production.
Name the Seronegative arthropathiesm spondyloarthropathies.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Reactive arthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis.
- Enteropathic arthropathy.
In which group age and gender does Ankylosing spondylitis usually occurs ?
In young men in thier 20s - 30s
What is the characteristics of Ankylosing spondylitis ?
- 90% of patients has positive HLA B-27.
- presents with lower back pain in young men. The giveaway in the morning stiffness lasting for at least 1 hour that improves with exercise.
- Evidence of decresed spine mobility, on PEx: positive Schober test.
- possible obliteration of the lumbar lordosis.
- X-rays: evidence of sacroilitis + fusing of the sacroiliac joint.
Chronic spine inflammation will cause bamboo spine and squaring of vertebral bodies.
What are the extraarticular manifestations in Ankylosing spondylitis ?
- Anterior uveitis.
- Aortic insufficiency that may cause CHF and 3rd-degree heart block .
What is the treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis ?
- NSAIDs
- Physical therapy
- Excercise.
- TNF blockers (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept) –> recommended in axial disease.
What is reactive arthritis ?
It is a seronegative arthropathy that occurs as a complication from an infection.
- Reiter syndrome: occurs after a nongonococcal urethrritis (Chlamydia or ureaplasma). Mucocutaneous manifestations: * Keratoderma * Blennorrhagica * Circinate balanitis * Oral or genital ulcers * conjunctivits * arthritis
- Infectious diarrhea (enteroinvasive diarrheas) : Campylobacter (most common), shigella, or salmonella
What is the treatment of reactive arthritis ?
Same as ankylosing sponylitis:
- NSAIDs
- Physical therapy
- Excercise.
- TNF blockers (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept) –> recommended in axial disease.
+
- In Reiter syndrome caused by chlamydia: Prolonged Tetracycline use ( 3 weeks) could accelrate recovery.
- Antiretroviral medications in HIV patients could improve the aggressive skin manifestations.
What is the leading cause of disability in elderly ?
Knee osteoarthritis.
What is the most common and the second common joint affected by osteoarthritis?
1st : knees
2nd : thumb
What is the clinical presentation of osteoarthritis ?
- Oligoarticular, asymmetric or monoarticular pattern
- Very slow, progressive and irreversible
- Joint pain increases with excercise and improves with rest.
- Morning stiffness is always < 20 - 30 mins.
- Crepetations of joint may occour.
- No systemic manifestations
- It’s not an inflammatory disease, so CRP and ESR is always normal.
- Osteophytes (spurs) , called Bouchard’s nodes in PIPs and Heberden’s nodes in DIPs.
What is the treatment of osteoarthritis ?
There is no cure, only palliative therapy.
- Focus on maintaining mobility and reducing pain.
- Reduce joint loading with correction of poor posture and weight loss.
- Physical therapy, excercise programs which maintain range of motion, strengthen periarticular muscles and improve physical fitness.
- Use acetaminopthen then NSAIDs for pain improvement
- Use Capsaicin cream.
- Intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid.
What is crystal - induced arthropathies ?
- MSU : monosodiuam Urate
- CPPD: Calcium pyrophospahte
- CaOx: Calcium oxalate
- HA: Calcium hydroxyapatite.
are caused by micro-crystal deposition in joints and they all present with same clinical presentation. It only can be distinguished by synovial fluid analysis.