Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

what is it ?

Answer 1

Inflammatory, autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology
- thought to have a genetic basis

Question 2

associated with

Answer 2

HLA-DR4

Question 3

Physiology

Answer 3

• produce antibodies to their own immunoglobulins, such as RF and anti-citrullinated protein antibody
• characterized by exacerbation and remission

Question 4

population

Answer 4

• 40-60’s
• F&raquo_space; M

Question 5

onset

Answer 5

• may be abrupt or gradual
• bilateral and symmetrical involvement
• starts with hands/feet
• wrist, MCP, PIP, C1-C2 rupture, ulnar drift, subcutaneous nodules

Question 6

Systemic affects

Answer 6

• pleural and pericarditis, vasculitis, scleritis, ulcers
• Heart disease is #1 killer for people with RA
• pulmonary fibrosis

Question 7

Meds

Answer 7

• DMARDS (but they take several weeks to become effective)
• NSAIDS
• immunosuppressive agents
• corticosteroids for flare ups

Question 8

PT goals, outcomes, interventions

Answer 8

• reduce pain and inflammation through modalities and joint protection strategies
• maintain/improve function, joint mechanics and connective tissue mob ility
• aerobics