Rheumatoid arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
Epidemiology of RA?
A
- onset 30-50
- more in females
- high in native Americans
- associated with HLA-DR4 (especially Felty’s syndrome)
2
Q
Presentation fo RA?
A
-swollen and painful joints in hands and feet
- stiffness worse in morning
- presentation develops over a few months
- positive squeeze test
- bilateral symptoms
-Swan neck and Boutonniere deformities (late manifestation)
3
Q
Initial investigations for RA?
A
- Rheumatoid factor (for suspected RA)
- Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (key for diagnosing as it can detect very early)
-Xray should be performed
4
Q
Management of RA?
A
- DMARD +/- prednisolone (1st line)
- DMARDS (methotrexate)
- Flares (corticosteroids)
- TNF inhibitors (etancercept, infliximab and adakimumab)