Rheumatoid Athritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is rheumatoid arthritis
A
- A chronic auto immune systemic illness characterised by a symmetrical peripheral arthritis + other systemic features
- It is one of the commonest chronic illnesses + may be associated with joint damage, disability + premature mortality
2
Q
4 parts of classification of RA
A
- Joint involvement
- Serology
- Acute-phase reactants
- Duration of symptoms
3
Q
Describe the joint involvement part of classification
A
- 1 large joint (0)
- 2-10 large joints (1)
- 1-3 small joints (2)
- 4-10 small joints (3)
- > 10 joints [at least 1 small joint] (5)
4
Q
Describe the serology part of classification
A
- Negative RF (0)
- Low-positive RF (2)
- High-positive RF (3)
5
Q
Describe the acute-phase reactants part of classification
A
- Normal CRP/ESR (0)
- Abnormal CRP/ESR (1)
6
Q
Describe the duration of symptoms part of classification
A
- < 6 weeks
- =/> 6 weeks
7
Q
Ratio of female to male epidemiology
A
F:M = 3:1
8
Q
Investigations for RA
A
Immunology
- Rheumatoid factor (IgG, IgM)
- Anti cyclic citrullinated antibodies
X-ray
9
Q
Symptoms of RA
A
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Immobility
- Poor function
- Systemic symptoms
10
Q
Clinical signs of RA
A
-Swelling tenderness
-Limited movement
(redness)
(heat)
11
Q
What happens to the synovium, joint capsule and cartilage in RA
A
- Synovium = inflamed
- Joint capsule = Inflamed
- Cartilage = Destruction
12
Q
3 types of systemic features of RA
A
- Non-specific
- Specific
- Long term
13
Q
3 non specific features of RA
A
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Anaemia
14
Q
5 specific features of RA
A
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Nerves
- Skin
- Kidneys
15
Q
2 long term features of RA
A
- CVS
- Malignancy
