Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
what is RA and what does it effect?
inflammatory joint disease that primarily affects the small joints of the hands and feet
The rheumatoid synovitis is characterised by…? (3)
Synoviocyte proliferation
Inflammatory cell infiltration
Neoangiogenesis
(SIN)
what is often contained in the synovial fluid - particularly during flares?
neutrophils
what auto-antibodies are commonly associated? (2)
RFs
anti-citrullinated protein antibodies
what do antibodies recognise in RA? (2)
joint antigens - type ll collagen
systemic antigens - glucose phosphate isomerase
difference between seropositive and seronegative RA?
seropositive shows the presence of:-
- RF
- anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)
environmental factors?
smoking and bronchial stress viruses ecoli mycoplasma periodontal disease
proteases associated with cartilage and bone destruction? (2)
metalloproteinase and aggrecanases
what is bone destruction mediated by in RA?
osteoclasts that are activated under the influence of RANKL production
what genes are implicated in RA? (2)
MHC-ll genes
PTPN22
symptoms in RA? (5)
pain stiffness immobility poor function systemic
signs in RA? (3)
swelling
tenderness
limited movement
systemic symptoms in RA? (4)
fatigue
weight loss
eyes
lungs
investigations in RA?
immunological tests (RF, anti-CCPA) XR
assessment in RA?
Disease Activity Score
