Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Question 1

What is RA?

Answer 1

A chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that is characterized by the inflammation of the joints

Question 2

What is the cause of RA?

Answer 2

Unknown

Question 3

What could be thought to cause RA?

Answer 3

Genetics
Environmental- Infections, viruses, illnesses
Pts report flu-like symptoms (different for every pt, but some report this)

Question 4

What is the name of the abnormal IgG antibodies?

Answer 4

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Question 5

What does pannus formation do?

Answer 5

It causes an influx of neutrophils to joint site and destroys cartilage

Question 6

What is pannus?

Answer 6

Inflammation build-up

Question 7

What are the diagnostic characteristics of RA?

Answer 7

Morning joint stiffness > 1 hr
Swelling in three or more joints
Swelling in hand joints
Symmetric joint swelling
Erosions on X-ray
Rheumatoid nodules
\+ Serum Rheumatoid Factor

Question 8

What are some tests for RA diagnosis?

Answer 8

C-reactive protein
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Complete blood count
Synovial fluid analysis
Bone scan
Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) (presence of this can indicate RA disease)

Question 9

What is SLE?

Answer 9

A multisystem, autoimmune response

Question 10

What is the cause of SLE?

Answer 10

Unknown

Question 11

What are some possible causes SLE?

Answer 11

Genetics

Hormones is a high indicator. It would play in a role in the exacerbation of the disease

Question 12

What is the diagnostic test for SLE?

Answer 12

There is none