Rhemotoud Arthritis

Question 1

What is RA

Answer 1

Inflammatory autoimmune response
Progressive joint damage within synovial joints causing pain, stiffness, swelling and erosion and eventually joint destruction

Question 2

Where does RA affect

Answer 2

Usually joints symmetrically
Shoulders, wrists, hands, elbows, knees, ankles

Question 3

What causes RA

Answer 3

Immune system attacks its own tissues

Question 4

What are the symptoms of RA

Answer 4

Pain
Swelling
Inflammation
Joints hot and tender to touch
Sometimes fever, fatigue
Morning stiffness lasting MORE than 30 mins

Question 5

What are the risk factors of RA

Answer 5

Woman
Obese
Family history
Smoking
Genetic factors

Question 6

How is RA diagnosed

Answer 6

X-ray (joint damage)
DAS 28 (monitor initial severity of RA)
CRP and ESR - inflammatory markers
(Will be raised in initial diagnosis and flares)

Family history, pain history and examination of joints

Question 7

What is the treatment of RA

Question 8

When would a DMARD biologic be added

Answer 8

Add a biological DMARD when 2 oral DMARDS have been trialed and haven’t been able to control RA