RA Flashcards
What is RA?
An autoimmune dz that involves the joints, mostly
Describe the dz process of RA
Immune sys attacks synovial and connective tissues > inflammation > chronic inflammation leads to growth of tissue called pannus > leads to loss of bone and cartilage
Main affect site in RA?
Joints (synovial tissues)
T or F: RA is more likely to affect older inds than younger inds
F (anyone is susceptible since this is an autoimmune dz)
Signs and sx’s of RA
a. SYMMETRICAL joint pain/stiffness for >6 weeks
b. muscle pain
c. systemic sx’s (fatigue, fever, loss of appetite) (late dz)
d. joint tenderness, warmth, swelling
e. rheumatoid nodules (unctrled dz)
Joint consequences of RA
Joint consequences:
a. Joint damage and bone erosion
b. ulnar drift in hands
There’re extraarticular consequences (blood vessels, eyes, lungs, bone, etc.)
What single lab test can definitively establish RA?
None exists > must be diagnosed using certain criteria
What body part must be involved to consider a dx of RA?
JOINTS
Ultimate goal of tx?
Remission
Sig damage occurs in the first __ years of RA.
Sig damage occurs in the first 2 years of RA.
T or F: DMARDs should be started v. slowly in the beginning to reduce AEs.
F
Tx aggressively to get early remission
T or F: Rheumatoid factor must be present for a dx of RA.
F (only 60-70% of pts have this)
Main classes of meds used to tx RA?
- Traditional DMARDs
- Biologic DMARDs
- Synthetic DMARDs (Janus Kinase inhibitor)
- CS’s
- NSAIDs (analgesia)
- Combo
Are traditional DMARDs good for flares? Why or why not?
No b/c they have a SLOW ONSET
What classes of drugs are used for maintenance tx?
Traditional DMARDs, biologic DMARDs, synthetic DMARDs
What classes of drugs are used for flare tx?
NSAIDs, CS’s
List the traditional DMARDs
methotrexate (MTX), leflunomide (LEF), hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), sulfasalazine (SSZ)
Which trad DMARDs inhibit the immune sys more upstream?
MTX and LEF
What do HCQ and SSZ ultimately do (MOA-wise)?
Reduce inflammation
Important dosing point of methotrexate?
Must be TITRATED
Very common AE of methotrexate?
Fatigue
A patient has a cold. Should we put him on MTX? Why or why not?
No bc MTX suppress the immune response, which would prevent the body from dealing w/ the infection
Is there bone healing with MTX?
Yes
MTX’s place in tx?
FIRST LINE/Backbone of tx
Common LEF A/E’s?
N/D
T or F: LEF is safe in pregnancy, whereas MTX is not.
F
They’re BOTH CI in pregnancy (and lactation for that matter)
When is LEF used?
Either
- added to MTX when RA isn’t well-ctrled
- monotx when MTX is not tolerated
Is there bone healing with LEF?
Yes
Best tolerated trad DMARD?
HCQ (hydroxychloroquinone)
Most important AE assoc w/ HCQ?
Ocular tox
How long does it take for ocular toxicity to show up when taking HCQ?
≥7 years
A patient has retinopathy. Which trad DMARD are we gonna avoid giving him?
HCQ (it causes ocular tox)
HCQ - place in tx
Almost always added on to other DMARDs
OR
Used for early, mild RA
Important DI with sulfasalazine (SSZ)?
Warfarin (it causes an increased INR)