Rheumatoid Arthritis COPY Flashcards
Describe Rheumatoid arthritis?
- Autoimmune
- More common in women
- Symmetrical, small-joint polyarthritis
Describe the pathophysiology of RA?
- Autoimmunity triggered by environmental precipitant (eg infection)
- Inflammatory infiltration into synovial membrane
- Interaction between CD4 T lymphocytes and B cells
- Smoking is an important risk factor
What are the joint problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis in the hands?
- Commonly affects MCP and PIP joints of hands
- Z-thumb
- Ulnar deviation
- Muscle wasting
- Swan-neck deformity at the DIP
- Boutonniere deformity at the PIP
What effects does RA have on synovium?
- Causes inflammation of the synovium
- Boggy
- Rubery
- Swelling
What are the extra-articular manifestations of rheumaoid arthritis?
- Osteoporosis
- Felty’s syndrome
- Triad: RA, neutropenia, splenomegaly
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Rheumatoid nodules
Name some other differentials for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
- SLE
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
Who tends to be affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
- 2/3 are women
- 60-70 year olds
What genetic factor is involved with the development of rheumatoid arthritis?
- HLA-DR4
- HLA-DRβ1
Name some investigations that can be performed to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
- Clinical criteria
- ESR, CRP
- Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies
- US or MRI (if still unsure)
Describe the use of blood tests in rheumatoid arthritis?
- ESR
- CRP
- Anti-CCP antibodies (ACPA)
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- IgM which is positive in 70% RA patients
What signs on x-ray suggest rheumatoid arthritis?
- Osteopaenia
- Joint erosions
- Soft-tissue swelling
- Reduced joint space
Describe how Rheumatoid Arthritis is diagnosed?
- Multi-joint involvement
- Symptoms >6 weeks
- Serum postive for RF or ACPA
- Elevated CRP or ESR
Describe the treatment of RA?
- Analgesia
- Corticosteroids
- DMARDs
- Biologics
Describe analgesia in the treatment of RA?
NSAIDs
Describe corticosteroids in the treatment of RA?
Bridging therapy for several months until DMARDs become effective
Describe DMARDs in the treatment of RA?
- Methotrexate
- Second line:
- Sulfasalazine
- Hydroxychloroquine