Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Chronic inflammation of joints that can potentially cause deformity + systemic symptoms
What sex and age range does rheumatoid arthritis tend to affect?
Females 3:1 males
30-50 yrs old
What is the basic pathology behind rheumatoid arthritis?
Synovium becomes inflamed and invasive; inflammatory mediators eats away into articular cartilage and bone
List classic symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis
Joint pain/swelling Stiffness in the morning Systemic features Tenderness Reduced movement Deformities
Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects less joints than osteoarthritis. True/False?
False
Usually affects more joints
List investigations for rheumatoid arthritis
Anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor
Inflammatory markers
USS
List some poor prognostic indicators for rheumatoid arthritis
Young age Male Many active joints High CRP Early erosions Extraarticular features
What is the “window of opportunity” of treating rheumatoid arthritis, where treating in this period can prevent irreversible damage to joints?
3 months
What is the main treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
DMARDS (methotrexate)
What 4 other groups of biological agents have been effective for rheumatoid arthritis?
Anti-TNF (infliximab)
B cell depletors (ritixumab)
IL-6 inhibitor (tocilizumab)
T cell distruptors (abatacept)