RA - Ix

Question 1

Which bloods need to be done?

Answer 1

1. Inflammatory markers
2. FBC
3. Antibody serology
4. U and E
5. LFT

Question 2

What are the results of blood tests?

Answer 2

1. Raised ESR and CRP
2. Anaemia of chronic disease
3. Anti CCP / Rheumatoid factor positive

Question 3

Which anitbodies are found in RA?

Answer 3

1. Anti CCP > 90% high specificity
2. Rhuematoid factor
3. Anti nuclear antibodies

Question 4

Investigations for RA?

Answer 4

1. Bloods
2. Urate level - exclude gout
3. Synovial fluid aspiration - yellow coloration / many polymorphic leukocytes
4. X ray of joint

Question 5

What are the key features seen in an X -RAY in RA?

Answer 5

1. Loss of joint space
2. Soft tissue swelling

‘juxta articular osteopenia’