Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards

1
Q

Who mainly gets RA

A

Can affect any age group, women affected 3 times as commonly

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2
Q

What are some potential triggers of RA

A

infections and cigarette smoking

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3
Q

What is a key to the early developement of RA

A

Citrullination of proteins and developement of autoantibodies

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4
Q

How is RA diagnosed

A

Clinically, inflammatory markers and autoantibodies (also imaging)

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5
Q

What are the clinical features of RA

A

Prolonged morning stiffness, symmetrical, synovitis, positive compression tests

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6
Q

What joints are involved in positive compression tests

A

MCP and MTP joints

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7
Q

How often is Rheumatoid factor seen in RA patients

A

70%

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8
Q

How specific are anti-CCP antibodies

A

99%`

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9
Q

Can Anti-CCP reflect disease activity

A

No, remains positive despite treatment

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10
Q

What is the most specific antibody for RA

A

Anti-CCP

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11
Q

What shows up in late stage RA Xrays

A

Erosions and subluxation

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12
Q

What shows up in early RA stage Xrays

A

Can be normal! Soft tissue swelling, periarticular osteopenia

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13
Q

When is an MRI used for RA diagnosis

A

If there is diagnostic doubt

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14
Q

What is key in RA managemetn

A

Early and aggressive treatment with DMARDs

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15
Q

What is used for the assessment of disease activity

A

DAS28 score

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16
Q

When do RA patients get biologic drugs

A

Failure of 2 DMARDs and DAS28 score >5.1

17
Q

What are the adverse effects of biologic drugs

A

Risk of infection (esp TB)
Question over risk of malignancy (esp skin cancer)
Contraindicated in certain situations e.g. pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure

18
Q

What are patients screened for in RA

A

Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis

19
Q

When are steroids used in RA management

A

in bridging therapy before DMARDs take full effect and for flares only