Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

Risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 1

Exact cause unknown 
Autoimmune condition (rheumatoid factor antibodies) ( anti cyclic cirtuilinated peptide (cup) antibodies (APCA)) 

Joints (inflammation, loss of movement, deformity)

Elsewhere in body (pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease, pericarditis, coronary artery disease, osteoporosis )

Question 2

Inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 2

Antigen stimulus in periphery

B cells make auto antibodies (RF and APCA)

T cells activated, release cytokines

T cells, mast cells, macrophages activated in synovium

Question 3

Progression of rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 3

Synovitis

Pannus formation

Further tissue destruction

Fibrous ankylosis

Bony ankylosis

Question 4

Treatments

Answer 4

Induce remission ASAP
NSAIDs (very early/ flare ups)
Corticosteroids (if NSAIDs not tolerated)

DMARDs