Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What is pannus
synovial swelling and proliferation
Criteria for classification of RA
morning stiffness soft tissue swelling swelling or PIP MCP or wrist joint symmetric swelling rheumatoid nodules positive rheumatoid factor radiographic erosions newest criteria will add CCP antibody
What is the CCP antibody
common antibody found in the blood of people with RA
Most common joint that is swollen
PIP joint
DIP joint is NORMAL
How to find RA on radiology
Do an MRI to look for synovitis
Erosions won’t show up on xray until late in the disease
What are common joint deformities in RA
swan neck and boutonniere deformities
Clinical signs of RA
ulnar deviation
MCP and PIP swelling
Extra-articular problems associated with RA
CRVE SNL cardiopulmonary rheumatoid nodules vasculitis eye inflamm splenomegaly neuro dysfunc lymphadenopathy
Typical course of RA
damage occurs early in most pts
-50% show joint space narrowing in first 2 years
-by ten years, 50% of yound pts are disabled
Death can come earlier
Assessment of RA
assess current activity
document degree of damage (ROMm joint space narrowing)
document extra articular manifestations
assess prior Rx responses
Tx of RA (non pharm and pharm)
Education
Exercise
Medications (analgesic and/or anti inflamm)
Drug tx options for RA
NSAIDs, low dose prednisone, intra-articular steroids, DMARDs, immunosuppressant drugs
