Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
RA Definition
Chronic autoimmune systemic illness
characterised by symmetrical peripheral arthritis
and other systemic features
RA diagnosis needs a score of x according to 2010 EULAR Classification
6 OR MORE out of 10
4 sub-categories of RA Classification/Criteria
In each sub-category, what would score high pointing to a dx of RA?
Joint Involvement (poly + small joints)
Serology (RF +ve, ACPA +ve)
Acute phase reactants (raised)
Duration of symptoms 6w
Epidemiology of RA
Gender
Prevalence
Peak age of onset
But may occur at any age from ____
F:M 3:1
1% of population
4th or 5th decade
But may occur at any age from 16 y
Aetiology RA
Genetic - closest association with specific amino acid sequences at positions ____ of _____
What are the susceptibility genes?
Environmental factors (2)
Genetic - closest association with specific amino acid sequences at positions 70-74 of DRb1
HLA DR1 and HLA DR4
Environmental factors:
Smoking
Chronic infection - peri-odontal disease
Pathogenesis RA
3 stages
Rheumatoid factor binding to IgG forming immune complexes
Not easily cleared
Activate complement - further inflammation
Activation of macrophages
RA Symptoms 4
Pain
Swelling
Loss of function
Systemic symptoms
Symptoms RA
- Systemic symptoms
- Non-specific (3)
Fatigue
Weight loss
Anemia
Which types of malignancy have higher incidence assoc with RA
Leukemia and Lymphoma
RA Clinical Signs (5)
Swelling
Tenderness
Limitation of ROM
- Redness*
- Heat*
Investigations RA (5)
Immunology
- RF
- ACPA or Anti-CCP
X-rays
USS
Raised CRP/ESR
DAS28 score
DAS28 score - how does it relate to RA?
What score represents clinical remission?
What score indicates eligibility for biology therapy
DAS28 score – monitor disease activity (disease activity score)
DAS<2.4 represents clinical remission
DAS>5.1 represents eligibility for biologic therapy
4 modes of management of RA
NSAIDS
DMARDS
Biologics
Corticosteroids
Name 4 DMARDs used in RA
Whats the gold standard DMARD drug
Methotrexate
Sulfasalazine
Hydroxychloroquine
Leflunomide
Name 5 drugs under ‘Biologics’ category of RA MX
TNF-alpha inhibitors Etanercept
IL-1 inhibitors Anakinra
IL-6 inibitors Tocilizumab
Anti-B cell therapy - Rituximab
Anti-T cell therapies - Abatacept