MSK week 2 Flashcards
Describe rheumatoid arthritis
A symmetrical inflammatory arthritis caused by inflammation of the synovial membrane.,
Where does RA usually affect?
Commonly affects the small joints of the hands and feet (MCP and PIPs)
Who does RA usually affect?
Women more commonly than men.
Which antibodies are you likely to see in association with RA?
Rheumatoid Factor
Anti CCP
Which antibody is most specific and relates to disease activity in RA?
Anti-CCP.
Pathogenesis of RA
An immune response is triggered against the synovium which lines some joints and tendons. An inflammatory panes forms which then attacks and denudes articular cartilage leading to joint destruction.
Tendon ruptures and soft tissue damage can occur leading to joint instability and subluxation.
How do you diagnose RA?
Based on clinical presentation, radiographic findings and serological analysis.
Early clinical presentation of RA
Symmetrical synovitis (doughy swelling)
Pain
Morning stiffness
Involvement of MCP and PIP but not DIP
Late clinical presentation of RA
Larger joints may become involved e.g. cervical spine. Atlanto-axial involvement may cause compression of the spinal cord.
Extra-articular features of RA
Rheumatoid nodules- most commonly found on the extensor surfaces or sites of frequent mechanical irritation.
Pleural effusion, interstitial fibrosis and pulmonary nodules
Increased risk of cardiovascular co-morbidities
Investigations into RA
Antibody testing (15-20% of patients don't have antibodies) CRP, plasma viscosity and ESR are also raised. In early disease X-rays will show no joint abnormality (due to early features being soft tissue swelling and bone thinning).
Treatment of RA
Goal- commence DMARD therapy within 3 months of onset of symptoms. Try DMARD one- methotrexate. If this fails add sulfasalazine If this fails add hydroxychloroquine Alongside these NSAIDs and aspirin.
If DMARD therapy fails- biologics may work. Anti-TNF alpha drugs given by injection.
To qualify for these must have high level of disease activity.
Disease activity monitoring in RA
DAS 28 Remission<2.6 Low disease activity 2.7-3.2 Moderate disease activity 3.3-5.1 High disease activity >5.1
Describe ankylosing spondylitis
Chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and sacroiliac joints which can lead to eventual fusion of the joints.
Who gets ankylosing spondylitis?
Young men (late adolescents- early adulthood)
Clinical presentation of ankylosing spondylitis
Spinal pain and stiffness
Spinal morning stiffness which improves with exercise
Over time- loss of spinal movement and a question mark spine.
What is a question mark spine?
Loss of lumbar lordosis-
Increased thoracic kyphosis.
How can you measure the affect of ankylosing spondylitis
Schobers test
Measure 5cm above the superior iliac crests and 10cm below.
Ask the patient to bend over and the space should exceed 20cm between the two marks (unless they have AS)
What will an Xray show of ankylosing spondylitis?
May show sclerosis and fusion of the sacroiliac joints Syndesmophytes (bony spurs from the vertebral bodies) Bamboo spine (intervertebral joints fuse together)
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis?
Physiotherapy, NSAIDs, exercise
For more aggressive disease- anti-TNF alpha
What is reactive arthritis?
Arthritis that follows infection somewhere else in the body.
What organisms usually cause reactive arthritis?
GU- chlamydia, Neissena
GI- campylobacter, salmonella.
Presentation of reactive arthritis
Large, swollen red and hot joint 1-3 weeks after infection
What is Reiters syndrome?
Triad- urethritis, uveitis or conjunctivitis and arthritis.
Treatment of reactive arthritis?
Aimed at underlying cause or symptomatic relief.
Steroid IM or IA
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Occurs in up to 30% of patients with psoriasis. Asymmetrical oligoarthritis. May involve hands in a similar pattern to RA.
Triad of symptoms that can occur in psoriatic arthritis
Enthesitis
Spondylitis (inflammation of the vertebra)
Dactylitis (inflammation of the digits)
Treatment of psoriatic arthritis
Similar to RA- DMARDs 1st line- methotrexate
Anti-TNF therapy for those who do not respond.
What is enteropathic arthritis?
Inflammatory arthritis involving peripheral joints and sometimes the spine inpatients with IBD
Which joints tend to be affected by enteropathic arthritis?
Tends to be the large joints.
Treatment of enteropathic IBD
Treat underlying disease.
What is gout?
Uric acid depositation in the joints. Uric acid is made from the breakdown of purine bases (adenine and guanine) in DNA replication.
What is hyperuricaemia due to?
Renal under excretion (thiazide diuretics do this, so does renal failure)
Excessive alcohol, red meat and fish intake.
What triggers the crystals to precipitate in joints?
Dehydration
Trauma
Surgery