Rheumatology Flashcards
What is a typical history for someone with RA ?
Usually female
30-50 years old
Progressive, peripheral and symmetrical polyarthritis
Usually affects finger joints
How long must a patient be having symptoms for to be considered for a RA diagnosis ?
At least 6 weeks
How long is the morning stiffness for an RA patient ?
More than 30 minutes
What is seen on examination in someone with RA ?
Soft tissue swelling and tenderness first
Ulnar deviation/ palmar subluxation of MCPs
Swan neck and boutonniere deformity in digits
Rheumatoid nodules
What investigations are performed if someone is suspected of having RA ?
FBC -normocytic anaemia
Inflammatory markers - raised
Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP are present
X ray of hands - deformity
what is seen on X ray in someone with RA ?
Loss of joint space
Erosions
Soft tissue swelling
Subluxation
What treatment is offered for RA ?
Initially DMARD mono therapy - methotrexate
Steriods
Symptoms control with NSAIDs ( PPI cover )
If disease is severe consider biologics ( anti-TNF )
What are some extra-articular manifestations of RA ?
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Elevated cardiac risk
Anaemia
Amyloidosis
Pericarditis
Pleural disease
Pulmonary disease
Sjogren’s disease
What is present in Felty’s syndrome ?
RA
Splenic enlargement
Neutropenia
What is lupus ?
An autoimmune multisystem disease with inadequate T cell suppressor activity and increased B cell activity
What criteria are needed for a lupus diagnosis ?
4 of the following :
- ANA positive
- renal abnormalities
- Arthralgia / arthritis
- serositis
- haematological abnormalities
- photosensitivity
- oral ulcers
- immunological abnormalities
- neurologic abnormalities
- Malar rash / discoid rash
What is seen on examination in SLE ?
Raynaud’s
Joint pain and swelling
Hand rash
Hair loss
Mouth ulcers
Proximal myalgia
Pleuritic chest pain
Pericardial pain
Truncal rash
What investigations are done when suspecting lupus ?
FBC - anaemia and leukopenia
U & E’s
LFT
CRP - may be normal
Plasma viscosity and ESR - raised
Urine dipstick
What antibodies may be raised in SLE ?
Antinuclear antibodies
Anti-DsDNA antibodies
What treatment options are there for SLE ?
Sun protection
Hydrochloroquine is given for rash and Arthralgia
Mycophenolate mofetil, Azathioprine and Rituximab are commonly used
Short courses of prednisolone can be given for flare ups
What triggers SLE ?
UV light
What is osteoarthritis ?
A degenerative joint disorder where there is progressive loss of articular cartilage
What are the key features of cartilage in OA ?
Loss of elasticity with reduced tensile strength
Cellularity and proteoglycan content are reduced
What are some risk factors for osteoarthritis ?
Age
Obesity
Trauma
Genetics
Signs and symptoms of OA ?
Hip, knee and spine most commonly affected.
Pain is provoked by movement and weight-bearing
Joint giving way is common
What is seen on radiographs in OA?
Joint space narrowing
Sub articular sclerosis
Bone cysts
Osteophytes
What treatment options are there for OA ?
Non-drug therapy - strengthening and movement exercises
Regular paracetamol for pain relief
Intra-articular corticosteriods
Surgery
What is fibromyalgia ?
A common disorder of central pain processing characterised by chronic widespread pain in all 4 quadrants of the body.
What is allodynia ?
It is a heightened and painful response to innocuous stimuli.
What is the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia ?
It can be induced by deliberate sleep deprivation. Sleep disturbance is probably the trigger in most patients. This causes hyper-activation in response to noxious stimulation and neural activation in brain regions associated with pain perception in response to non-painful.
What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia ?
Joint and muscle stiffness
Profound fatigue
Unrefreshed sleep
Numbness
Headaches
IBS or bladder syndrome
Depression or anxiety
Poor concentration
What can be seen on examination in fibromyalgia ?
There are no physical abnormalities to the MSK or neurological systems.
Patients may have tender points on palpation of their muscles.
What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia ?
Female
Age 40-50
May have an obvious trigger