PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF JOINT DISEASE Flashcards
What is the typical age and gender of rheumatoid arthritis?
female (3:1) and any age
describe the pattern of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis?
polyarticular and symmetrical - mostly MCP, MTP, PIP and wrists but can also affect larger joints
what does polyarticular mean?
many joints are affected
what are the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
joitn swelling, redness, warmth early morning stiffness >30 minutes ulnar deviation boutonniere deformity swan neck deformity baker cysts fever, malaise, low appetite, muscle weakness pain in mCP and MTP joints on squeezing
whats the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis?
a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors which cause modifiction of our own antigens
what are some genes that predispose us to rheumatoid arthritis?
variations in HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DR4
what are some envrionemntal factors that can cause rheumatoid arthritis?
smoking
alcohol
specific pathogens
briefly outline the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis?
the trigger event causes modification of our own antigens through citrulinnation. Antigens activate immune response leading to autoantibodies being produced
inflammatory cytokines lead to activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes which cause synovial cell proliferation = pannus which damages bone, cartilage, soft tissue over time due to release of proteases, RANKL and antibodies forming immune complexes in joint spaces
why can rheumatoid arthritis cause systemic symptoms
because the inflamatory cytokines can escape through the bloodstream and reach multiple organ systems
how can rheumatoid arthritis cause a fever?
IL-1 escapes into the bloodstream and acts as a pyrogen in the brain
why can rheumatoid arthritis make atherosclerosis more common?
because it causes vasculitis
why can rheumatoid arthritis cause anaemia?
inflammatory cytokines can make the liver produce hepcidin in high amounts which decreases iron levels by inhibiting absorption and trapping iron in macrophages or liver cells
how can rheumatoid arthritis cause problems within the lungs?
inflammatory cytokines can activate fibroblasts in the lungs causing scar tissue and decreasing gas exchange
why is rheumatoid arthritis symmetrical?
the fibroblast-like synoviocytes can migrate between joints
how do we diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
blood tests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP
X-rays and MRI scans
assessing physical ability
why do we do an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test for rheumatoid arthritis?
The proteins that indicate inflammation cause the red blood cells to stick together and tumble to the bottom of the tube. A faster sedimentation rate indicates greater inflammation.
what does a C-reactive protein test do?
tells us about inflammation as C-reactive protein is sent into the blood stream from the liver when there is inflammation
what are rheumatoid factors?
autoantibodies against IgG
how do we assess physical ability when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis?
using a health assessment questionnaire
why do we do scans to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
they can show decreased bone density, bony erosions, soft tissue swellings and narrowing of the joint spaces
what are some consequences of chronic systemic inflammation because of rheumatoid arthritis?
CVD causing reduced life expectancy insulin resistance felty syndrome increase osteoporosisi risk increased dementia risk pain sensitisation hypercholesterolaemia sarcopenia
why can rheumatoid arthritis lead to premature ischaemic heart disease?
because the inflammatory cytokines can cause vasculitis = increased atherosclerosis risk = increased CVD risk
what is felty syndrome?
Splenomegaly Arthritis rheumatoid Neutropenia Thrombocytopenia Anaemia
why can rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk for osteoporosis?
it can cause bony erosions but also the inactivity of limbs further increases the risk
how can rheumatoid arthritis be a risk factor for dementia?
as the increased atherosclerosis risk may lead to reductions in cerebral blood flow = increased dementia risk
what are the 3 main pharmacological ways tpo treat rheumatoid arthritis?
disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
biological treatments
JAK inhibitors
Other than pharmacological methods, what are some ways in which we can treat rheumatoid arthritis?
painkillers/steroids
supportive treatments e.g. physio
surgery
whats the main example of DMARD taken for rheumatoid arthritis?
methotrexate
what are common side effects of methotrexate?
nausea loss of appetite sore mouth diarrhoea headaches hair loss
why may you need blood tests during methotrexate treatment?
to assess blood cells and liver function as these can be affected
why may you sometimes have a chest x-ray and breathing test when you begin taking methotrexate?
because it can affect the lungs so these can be used as a comparison for if it does
what are 3 examples of DMARDs other than methotrexate?
leflunomide
hydroxychloroquine
sulfasalazine
what are some examples of biologicals used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
adalimumab rituximab etanercept infliximab toxilizumab
when are biologicals offered as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
if DMARDs are not effective alone then they will be taken with biologicals
when are JAK inhibitors offered to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
for those who cannot take DMARDs/biologicals or do not find them effective (they will usually be taken with methotrexate)
what are side effects of steroids?
weight gain, osteoporosis, easy bruising, muscle weakness, thinning of skin
what types of surgery are there for rheumatoid arthritis?
arthroscopy
joint replacement
synovectomy
what is a synovectomy?
the destruction or surgical removal of the synovium
what is an arthroscopy?
a keyhole surgery for joints - can remove inflamed joint tissue