osteoarthritis

Question 1

osteoarthritis

Answer 1

• degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint as well as bony overgrowth
• RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS
  
  • JOINT SPACE NARROWING
  • SUBCHONDRAL SCLEROSIS
  • OSTEOPHYTE FORMATION
• Generally wrists are spared and DIP or PIP joints
• Management = tx symptoms and pain

Question 2

rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 2

• Multisystem, autoimmune disease
• NOT A BENIGN JOINT DISEASE
• high rates of disability
• increased early mortality (CV disease)

Question 3

NSAID

Answer 3

• often initial therapy for PAIN AND STIFFNESS
• NO DISEASE MODIFYING ACTIVITY
• LOTS OF SIDE EFFECTS
  
  • GI, RENAL, CV, CHF

Question 4

Methotrexate

Answer 4

• GOLD STANDARD for tx of RA
  
  • also a chemo drug
• long track record for safety, tolerability and efficacy
• SIDE EFFECTS
  
  • hepatic fibrosis, bone marrow toxicity, pulmonary toxicity