Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
Pathophysiology of RA
• Chronic, systemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause
– T-cell activation -> cytokines -> inflammatory cascade
– B-cell activation (through-cell interaction) -> terminate by B-cell lymphocytes -> differentiated rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies
• Impacts multiple joints, synovium, and cartilage
– Intense inflammatory infiltrate into synovium
-> angiogenesis -> invades and erodes cartilage and bone
-Cartilage invaded by proteolytic enzymes, cytokines (IL1andTNF) and leukocytes -> free radicals -> degrades cartilage and inhibits new cartilage formation
– Bone invasion of cytokines (IL1, TNF) boney destruction
• Extra-articular manifestations
– Fever
– Malaise
– Fatigue
– cachexia
Presentation of RA
- Slow and insidious
- Explosive, polyarticular onset
- Occasionally, limited to one to two joints
- Extra-articular presentation
- Morning stiffness, gel phenomenon
- Symmetrical joint swelling may be present
Presentation of RA 2
Usually, begins between 25 and 50 years old
Autoimmune response affecting the synovial membrane leading to joint destruction
Develops within weeks or months
Usually symmetrically, primarily affects small joints
Signs of inflammation present
Morning stiffness lasting >1 hour
Extra-articular symptoms may be present: fatigue, weight loss, anemia
More common in femalesAbsent osteophytes
Abnormal inflammatory markers usually present
Treatment of RA
- NSAIDs
- ASA and nonacetylated salicyclates
- DMARDs
- Corticosteroids
- Pain control
NSAIDs for Treatment
- Ibuprofen(Advil):800mgTID(max3200mg/day)
- Naproxen(Aleve):500mgBID(max1500 mg/day)
- Diclofenac(Zorvolex):35mgTID
- Sulindac(Clinoril):150–200mgBID(max400 mg/day)
- Meloxicam(Mobic):7.5–15mgQD(max15 mg/day)
- Piroxicam(Feldene):20mgQD(max20mg/day)
- Celecoxib(Celebrex):100–200mgBID(max400 mg/day
ASA MOA
– Rapidly metabolized to acetic acid and salicylate
– Protein bound
– Irreversibly inhibits PLT cyclooxygenase à reduces prostaglandin and thromboxane A1 synthesis
ASA Side Effects
– Many adverse s/e—particularly GI
– Contraindicated in hemophilia or other coagulation disorder
– Caution in IRF
ASA Pregnancy Category
– Pregnancy Cat C (try to avoid 3rd trimester); consider alternative with breastfeeding
ASA Dosage
– 300–600 mg QID (max 4 g/day)
Nonacetylated salicylates MOA
– Magnesium choline salicylate sodium salicylate
Nonacetylated salicylates Side effects
– similar s/e without PLT inhibition
– Reduces prostaglandin synthesis
Nonacetylated salicylates Pregnancy category
– Pregnancy C (avoid 3rd trimester); consider alternative with lactation
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics
Methotrexate (Trexall) MOA
– Inhibits inflammatory and immunoregulatory pathways, particularly pro-inflammatory cytokines linked to RA
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics
Methotrexate (Trexall) Monitoring
– LFTs, CBC assessed at baseline and q3mo; HCG (will need contraception)
– Most concerning potential s/e is hepatic toxicity
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics
Methotrexate (Trexall)
What supplement should be taken with Methotrexate?
Folic Acid
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics
Methotrexate (Trexall)
Pregnancy Category?
– Pregnancy: X lactation: unsafe
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
MOA
– Possibly suppresses T lymphocytes, inhibition of leukocytes chemotaxis, stabilization of lysosomal enzymes, and trapping of free radicals
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
Side Effects
– Most concerning potential s/e is ophthalmologic toxicities (rare)
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
Pregnancy Category
– Pregnancy: nonteratogenic but should be avoided; safe with lactation
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
MOA
– Suppression of T-cell responses and B-cell proliferation; inhibit release of inflammatory cytokines
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Caution and Side Effects
– Caution with sulfa allergy or G6PD deficiency
– Mild GI upset, rarely blood dyscrasias
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Monitoring
– Baseline CBC and LFTs and then ~q3mo; screening for G6PD deficiency
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Pregnancy Category
– Pregnancy: if benefits outweigh risk (low fetal harm); lactation: possibly unsafe; consider alternative
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics
Leflunomide (Arava)
MOA
– Has some impact on T-cell proliferation and reduced B-cell antibodies
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)—Nonbiologics
Leflunomide (Arava)
Side Effects
– Common s/e is diarrhea and elevated LFTs, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia rarely occur