RA Flashcards
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
A long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints
RA results in warm, swollen, and painful joints, often affecting the wrist and hands bilaterally.
What are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in more than one joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fever
Symptoms can develop over several years or progress rapidly in flares.
What factors are thought to contribute to the cause of rheumatoid arthritis?
A combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors
Triggers may include infections, smoking, or stress.
What age range is most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
Individuals between the ages of 40–60 years
RA is more commonly seen in females and has a genetic component.
What is the major genetic factor implicated in rheumatoid arthritis?
HLA-DR4
Other associated genes include CD28, CD40, and cytokine signaling genes.
What environmental factor is established as a risk factor for RA?
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of RA three times, particularly in men.
List three risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Family history
- Sex (more common in women)
- Obesity
These factors increase the likelihood of developing RA.
What are the three phases of progression of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Initiation phase (non-specific inflammation)
- Amplification phase (T cell activation)
- Chronic inflammatory phase (tissue injury due to cytokines)
Key cytokines involved include IL-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-6.
Describe Stage 1 of rheumatoid arthritis.
Joint lining or synovium becomes inflamed, but bones aren’t damaged yet
The joint tissue swells, causing stiffness and pain.
What are the goals of treating rheumatoid arthritis?
- Reduce joint pain and swelling
- Slow or stop joint damage
Treatment is crucial within the first two years of diagnosis.
What type of drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Medications that decrease pain and inflammation
Examples include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and COX-2 inhibitors.
What are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)?
Drugs that can slow the disease process by modifying the immune system
Common DMARDs include Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine.
What are biological molecules in the context of RA treatment?
Monoclonal antibodies that target inflammation at a specific level
They may be prescribed if DMARDs are ineffective.
Fill in the blank: The four stages of rheumatoid arthritis include Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and _______.
Stage 4
Each stage has its unique treatment options.
What surgeries are recommended for treating severely damaged joints in RA?
- Knee or hip replacement
- Joint fusion
- Tendon repair
- Surgery to correct a deformity
Surgery is considered if pain isn’t controlled with medication.
What is the role of physical therapy in treating RA?
To maintain a good range of motion in the joints and overall fitness
Regular exercise can help prevent loss of joint motion and muscle strength.
True or False: Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are the same for everyone.
False
Symptoms can vary significantly among individuals.
What blood tests are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Rheumatoid factor (RF)
- Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP)
These tests help identify inflammation and antibodies indicative of RA.
