Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
Describe the basic pathophysiology of RA.
infiltration of synovium by immune cells that release cytokines that proliferate damaging immune response in joint
Define pannus.
A pannus is a proliferating, inflamed joint that eventually invades/destroys cartilage and bone.
Diagnosis of RA is determined by a score of ___ points or more in what 4 diagnostic criteria?
6 points or more
1) joint involvement
(2) serology
(3) duration of symptoms
(4) acute phase reactants (CRP and ESR
5 most common joints affected by RA
hips, knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders
Name some extra-articular manifestations of RA.
(1) rheumatoid nodules
(2) ocular
(3) cardiac
(4) pulmonary
(5) vasculitis
(6) Felty’s syndrome (splenalomegaly)
Which two serologic measures are most specific to RA and are most often present in someone with the disease?
anti-CCP and RF
What is joint aspiration?
turbidity of synovial fluid
What kinds of characteristics generally indicate a poor prognosis in somebody with RA?
low socioeconomic status, poor education, psychosocial stress, extra-articular manifestations, elevated CRP/ESR, high RF titers, erosions observed in x-ray, present in >20 joints
Contrast RA from OA.
see table in notes: differentiating criteria include age of onset, disease distribution, ESR, inflammation level, morning stiffness, osteophyte/pannus presentation, swelling, and typical presentation
Identify non-pharmacological treatment options for RA.
(1) rest
(2) splints/prosthetics (for deformities)
(3) PT/OT
(4) emotional support
(5) weight reduction
(6) surgery
(7) pt. education
What is the role of NSAIDs/COX-2 inhibitors in RA pharmacotherapy?
adjunct therapy: only help with pain, but do not alter disease progression, therefore should not be used as monotherapy
use anti-inflammatory doses (generally 2x analgesic doses)
dosing of Celebrex (celecoxib)
100-200 mg PO BID
Patients with what allergy should be carefully monitored with Celebrex use?
those with a sulfa allergy
What are the 4 different ways that corticosteroids can be used in RA patients?
(1) burst therapy: to treat an acute flare-up
(2) bridge therapy: in combination with a DMARD while you wait for its onset
(3) long term low dose: for advanced disease
(4) for patients with extra-articular manifestations
note: NOT as monotherapy
Using prednisone as an example, what would be considered a short term, low dose regimen of oral CS?
< 10 mg QD for less than 3 months
What is the max recommendation of a high daily dose of prednisone?
60 mg QD
adverse effects of oral CS
(1) hyperglycemia
(2) irritability
(3) elevated BP
(4) gastritis
monitoring parameters for oral CS use
BP and glucose ever 3-6 months
Which class of drugs can be used as monotherapy in RA due to their ability to decrease and prevent joint damage and preserve joint integrity?
DMARDs
What is the DMARD of choice in RA patients? How is it dosed?
Rheumatrex (methotrexate)
initial dose is 7.5 mg weekly, but can be increased to 15 mg weekly
What supplementation is recommended with methotrexate use?
folic acid (MOA of drug is inhibition of dihydrofolic acid reductase, depleting folate)
Which two DMARDs cannot be used in pregnancy?
Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate
monitoring parameters for MTX use
CBC, SCr, LFT
frequency depends on duration of therapy:
<3 months: every 2-4 weeks
3-6 months: every 8-12 weeks
>6 months: every 12 weeks
adverse effects of methotrexate
hepatic issues, hematologic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, ocular, teratogenic
contraindications to methotrexate therapy
pregnancy, immunodeficiency, pre-existing blood dyscrasia, chronic liver disease
leflunomide dosing
100 mg PO QD for 3 days, then 20 mg QD
can reduce to 10 mg QD if adverse effects