rheumatoid arthritis

Question 1

what does it affect

Answer 1

hand and feet, wrists, shoulders, elbows and knees

Question 2

symptoms

Answer 2

inflammation, early morning stiffness, dry eyes and mouth

Question 3

pathogenesis

Answer 3

lymphocytes infiltrate synovial membrane, pannus over cartilage which erodes bone, degeneration of cartilage and joints.

Question 4

management - pharmacological

Answer 4

analgesics, NSAIDS, conventional/biological DMARDS, im steroid injection

Question 5

examples of conventional DMARDS

Answer 5

methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine

Question 6

when is a biologic DMARD considered

Answer 6

after failure of 3 DMARDS

Question 7

example of biological DMARD

Answer 7

etanercept

Question 8

advantages of biologic dmards

Answer 8

more specific on TNF

quicker onset of action

Question 9

pre screening checks before starting a biologic

Answer 9

pregnancy, liver function, TB status, cancer prescreening

Question 10

who can prescribe biologics

Answer 10

specialist prescribers

Question 11

how many biologics does the NHS fund

Answer 11

4