Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
what is RA?
it is a destructive autoimmune condition
what increases likelihood of developing RA?
Sex- women are 3x more likely
Age- most present in 40-60 y/o
Genetic component as occurs in families
How does RA differ from OA?
RA has wider systematic effects- e.g. problems with skin, lungs, blood vessels, mucous membranes
what are the 2 categories of symptoms that RA brings on?
MSK and Systemic
what are the MSK symptoms of RA?
Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
Joint pain can be subtle and involve synovitis (inflammation of a synovial membrane)
what are the systemic symptoms of RA?
Malaise- overall not feeling well/ weak/ discomfort
Fatigue
Weight Loss
what joints are affected by RA?
Often presents in small joints of hands or feet e.g. proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, metatarsophalangeal joints.
how is RA diagnosed?
- hand and foot x-rays
- presence of rheumatic factor: proteins made by your immune system that can attack healthy tissue in the body
- look for inflamatory markers : CRP and ESR
- if no RF present measure anti-CCP antibodies
what are Rheumatoid Factors?
RF’s are self-produced antibodies
how does RA affect the synovium?
- Normally synovial membrane is 1-2 cells thick but in RA is 6-12 thick
- Synovium is inflamed & hyper vascularised and has increased blood flow and permeability resulting in joint swelling
what do inflammatory cytokineses do?
they induce cartilage and bone breakdown
what is pannus?
pannus is an abnormal extra layer of tissue on someones joints
what drug treatmenst are used for RA?
use of cMARDS = conventional modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
Glucocorticoids- used alongside cMARDS and provides short term pain and stiffness relief
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)- can provide symptom control but carry risk of GI complications and ↑risk of CVD side effects
