RA- Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis

Question 1

How long do symptoms have to be present for in RA?

Answer 1

≥6 weeks

Question 2

Symptoms of RA

Answer 2

Warmth and swelling over affected joints with or without pain

Prolonged morning stiffness >30 minutes

Fatigue, weakness, decreased mood, low-grade fever

Positive rheumatoid nodules

Joint deformity in late disease

Question 3

What kinds of joints are normally affected in RA?

Answer 3

Smaller joints (hands, wrist, ankles, feet)

The larger joints can be affected, but not as common

Question 4

In RA, is there unilateral or bilateral involvement?

Answer 4

Bilateral

Question 5

Joint deformity in RA affects what joints?

Answer 5

proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, and wrist bones

Question 6

Other joint deformities in RA

Answer 6

Boutonniere deformities
Ulnar deviation of metacarpophalangeal joints
Swan-neck deformities of fingers

Question 7

Lab findings of RA: what’s seen the most often in RA patients?

Answer 7

ACPA, RF

Question 8

RA lab findings: what’s not seen as often in RA patients but could still be a sign of RA?

Answer 8

ANA

Question 9

In RA, what is elevated?

Answer 9

ESR and CRP (they’re nonspecific markers though!)

Question 10

RA lab findings: synovial fluid analysis

Answer 10

WBC count of 1,500-25,000/mm3

Question 11

RA diagnosis issue

Answer 11

There’s no single test or physical finding that would indicate an RA diagnosis –> this makes early detection difficult!