Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
Triggers of RA
A
Smoking, infection, trauma
2
Q
What joints are commonly affected in RA
A
MCP and PIPs
NOT DIPS!
3
Q
What are some extra-articular manifestations of RA
A
Rheumatoid nodules in 25% - extensor surfaces and sites of freq mechanical irritation Pleural effusions Intersitial fibrosis Pulmonary nodules Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality increased Occular involvement --> scleromalacia Periarticular erosions Soft tissue swellings
4
Q
What percentage of RA patients are seronegative?
A
15-20%
5
Q
Blood tests for RA
A
Anti-CCP antibody, rheumatoid factor, CRP, ESR, plasma viscosity
6
Q
Treatment of RA
A
DMARD therapy within 3 months of symptom onset First line = methotrexate Second line = sulphasalazine Simple analgesia NSAIDs Steroids If 2 DMARDs have been tried and there is still high disease activity then biologics Physio Surgery
7
Q
Biologics for RA
A
Anti-TNF alpha
Toclizumab
Rituximab
Abatacept
8
Q
Problems with biologics
A
Bone marrow supression; risk of TB; regular blood monitoring is needed
