PolyarticularJoint Pain - PBL Week 6

Question 1

What is polyarticular joint pain defined as.

Answer 1

Pain in five or more joints

Question 2

Presentation of polyarticular joint pain?

Answer 2

Sudden onset
Fever and systemic upset
Variable severity
Self limiting
6-12 weeks duration

Question 3

Initial investigation of polyarticular joint pain?

Answer 3

History - severity, pattern of joints, distribution of joints

Exam

Lab tests - FBC, ESR, CRP, anti-CCP, HLAB27, uric acid, synovial, fluid analysis

Images in - X-ray, USS, MRI

Question 4

What differential diagnosis of polyarticular joint pain?

Answer 4

OA, spondyloarthitis, RA, Psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, crystal arthritis, connective tissue disease

Question 5

Initial management of polyarticular joint pain?

Answer 5

DMARDS
NSAIDS
Weight loss if necessary
Exercise
Depends on type of joint pain