Rheumatoid arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
define rheumatoid arthritis?
A
chronic inflammatory systemic disease characterised by symmetrical deforming polyarthritis and extra-articular manifestations
2
Q
what HLA associations does Rh have?
A
o HLA-DR1
o HLA-DR4
3
Q
epidemiology of rheumatoid?
A
more common in females
4
Q
what are the presenting symptoms of Rh?
A
- GRADUAL onset
- Swollen, painful joints in the hands and feet
- Morning stiffness
- Systemic Symptoms
5
Q
what are the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis on physical examination?
A
o Swelling of MCP and PIP joints
o Warm, tender joints
o Spindling of fingers
6
Q
what are the late signs of rheumatoid arthritis on physical examination?
A
o Ulnar deviation of fingers o Radial deviation of the wrist o Swan neck deformity o Boutonniere deformity • Rheumatoid Nodules
7
Q
what investigations should be performed first?
A
antibody tests and joint X-ray
8
Q
which antibodies should be tested for?
A
o Rheumatoid factor
o Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody
9
Q
what signs might the x-ray of the joints show?
A
o loss of joint space o juxta articular osteoporosis o soft tissue swelling o periarticular erosions o subluxation
