Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What is RA?
An erosive and deforming arthritis that affects small and medium sized joints
Difference between early and established RA?
early is onset of symptoms, establish is post diagnosis
Most important environmental risk factor of RA?
Smoking
Explain the pathology
Synovitis happens, with the synovial membrane inflamed, an erosive “Pannus” is formed
Symptoms
Systemic Polyarthritis, morning stiffness, joint swelling,
How to check clinically for RA?
Squeeze testing their hands and joints
Explain Boutonnière deformity
Hyper extension of fingers, but the pinky is flexed
What’s the commonest visible deformity of the hands?
Swan-neck deformity
How to test for Carpal Tunnel syndrome?
Phalen’s test
Labs?
Elevated ESR and CRP
What’s the gold standard for diagnosing the joint damage?
Plain X-ray
Treatment?
NSAIDs, DMARDS, glucocorticoids as bridging therapy
What’s the use of the glucocorticoids?
A bridge therapy, meaning a bridge until the slower acting DMARDS take action
