MSK Flashcards
What are the 4 key X-ray findings in osteoarthritis?
Loss of joint space
Osteophytes
Subchondral stenosis (increased density in bone along joint line)
subchondral cysts (fluid filled holes in bone)
What are the key presentations of osteoarthritis?
joint stiffness and pain, worsened with activity
What signs of osteoarthritis may be present on the hands?
heberdens nodes (DIPs)
bouchards nodes (PIPs)
squaring at the base of the thumb
What lifestyle factors may help symptoms of osteoporosis?
losing weight
physiotherapy
What oral medications can be used to control symptoms of osteoarthritis?
paracetamol - 1st line
NSAIDs + PPI - 2nd line
what are the other treatments for osteoarthritis?
intra-articular steroid injections
hip/knee replacement
What antibody is present in 70% of patients with RA?
rheumatoid factor (RF)
What antibody predates the development of RA and is more specific and sensitive to RA?
anti-CCP antibodies
What are the key presentations of RA?
symmetrical distal polyarthropathy
joint pain, stiffness and swelling
How does activity effect the pain from RA?
it improves it
What is palindromic rheumatism?
short episodes of inflammatory arthritis
Which joints are almost never effected in RA but are often effected in osteoarthritis?
distal interphalangeal joints
What are the X-ray findings of RA?
Loss of bone space
osteopenia
erosion of bone
swelling of soft tissue
What hand deformities are common with RA?
Z shaped thumb
swan neck deformity
boutonnieres deformity
ulnar deviation of fingers at the knuckle
What is swan neck deformity?
extension of the PIPs and flexion of the DIPs
What is boutonnieres deformity?
extension of the DIPs and flexion of the PIPs due to a tear in the central slip of the finger extensors
What are some of the extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis?
pulmonary fibrosis
bronchiolitis obliterans
feltys syndrome
sjogrens syndrome
What blood tests can be used to diagnose RA?
anti-CCP antibodies and RF
ESR/CRP
What are the 4 diagnostic criteria for RA?
- number/size of joints affected
- serology (anti-CCP, RF)
- inflammation (CRP/ESR)
- duration of symptoms (</>6 weeks)
score is added up
What score is used to monitor RA and response to treatment?
DAS28 score
What combination of medications can be used initially or with flare ups of RA?
NSAIDs/Cox-2i + PPIs
what is the 1st line treatments for RA?
monotherapy with either:
methotrexate, sulfasalazine or leflunomide
Give an example of an anti-TNF drug used to treat RA
infliximab, adalimumab
Give and example of an anti-CD20 drug used to treat RA
rituximab
What is the action of methotrexate?
it interferes with folate metabolism and suppresses the immune system
What are the side effects of methrotrexate?
mouth ulcers and mucositis
liver toxicity
damages bone marrow - low WCC
teratogenic (harmful in pregnancy)
What is the action of leflunomide?
it is an immunosuppressant that effects the production of pyrimidine (DNA synthesis)
What are the side effects of leflunomide?
hypertension
peripheral neuropathy
How does sulfasalazine work?
not clear but seems to effect folate metabolism, is an immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory
What are the side effects of sulfasalazine?
temporary male infertility
can be used in pregnancy
What is action hydroxychloroquine?
interferes with toll-like receptors - immunosuppressant
What are the side effects of hydroxycholorquine?
nightmares
reduced visual acuity
What is tumour necrosis factor (TNF)?
a cytokine involved in inflammation
What are some of the side effects of anti-TNF drugs?
vulnerability to sepsis and infection
reactivation of TB or hep B
What are the main side effects of rituximab?
night sweats
thrombocytopenia
What is the action of rituximab?
monoclonal antibody against B cells
What medications can be a risk factor for oeseoporosis?
long term corticosteroids
SSRIs, PPIs
anti-oestrogens
anti-epileptic
what tool is used to assess the 10 year risk of fragility fracture?
FRAX tool
What is the first line treatment for osteoporosis?
bisphosphonates - alendronate, zoledronic acid
What are some of the side effects of bisphosphonates?
reflux and oesophageal erosions
What is the key sign of SLE?
malar rash that gets worse in the sunlight
What other symptoms/signs may be present in SLE?
hair loss
SOB
arthralgia
myalgia
hepatomegaly
lymphadenopathy
What type of hypersensitivity is SLE?
type 3
What antibodies is SLE associated with?
anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA)
What antibody is highly specific to SLE?
anti-smith
What are the two criteria used for diagnosis of SLE?
SLICC or ACR criteria
involves presence of ANA and certain symptoms
What are some of the complications of SLE?
cardiovascular disease
infection
lupus nephritis
interstitial lung disease
anaemia
pericarditis
(all related to inflammation)
What is the first line treatment for mild SLE?
hydroxychloroquine
What other initial medication may be used for SLE?
NSAIDs
prednisolone
What medication may be used in more severe SLE?
methotrexate
What is antiphospholipid syndrome?
disorder associated with antiphospholipid antibodies that causes a hyper-coagulable state
What are the main associations with antiphospholipid syndrome?
venous thromboembolism (DVT)
arterial thrombosis (stroke)
miscarriage
What condition can cause antiphospholipid syndrome?
SLE
What antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome associated with?
lupus anticoagulant
anticardiolipin antibodies
anti-beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibodies
What is the diagnostic criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome?
at least on clinical characteristic and at least one antibody
What is the management for antiphospholipid syndrome?
warfarin
What is the management for antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy?
LMWH (warfarin contraindicated in preg)
+ aspirin to reduce chance of complications in pregnancy
What is Sjogrens sydnrome?
an autoimmune condition that effects the exocrine glands leading to dry mucous membranes