Rheumatology Flashcards
What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis ?
A condition affecting children and adolescents where autoimmune inflammation occurs in the joints.
Arthritis lasting more than 6 weeks in patients under 16.
What are the key features of inflammatory arthritis ?
Joint pain
Swelling
Stiffness
What is systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis ?
Also known as Still’s disease
Systemic illness that occurs in boys and girls
What are some typical features of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis ?
Subtle salmon pink rash
High swinging fevers
Enlarged lymph nodes
Weight loss
Joint inflammation and pain
Splenomegaly
Muscle pain
Pleuritic and pericarditis
What are some abnormalities seen in blood tests in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis ?
Antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factors are negative
Raised inflammatory markers with raised CRP, ESR, platelets and serum ferritin.
What is the key complication of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis ?
Macrophage activation syndrome - severe activation of the immune system with a massive inflammatory response.
How many joints are involved in polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis ?
5 joints or more
What is a classic feature associated with oligoarticular JIA ?
Anterior uveitis
What are some signs that can be seen in juvenile psoriatic arthritis ?
Plaques of psoriasis
Pitting of the nails
Oncholysis
Dactylitis
Enthesitis
What is the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis ?
NSAIDs
Steroids
DMARDs - methotrexate
Biologic therapy
What is Ehler’s-Danlos syndrome ?
A group of genetic conditions involving defects in collagen causing hypermobility in the joints and abnormalities in the connective tissue of the skin, bones, blood vessels and organs.
What is a differential for Ehler’s danlos syndrome ?
Marfans syndrome
How does Ehler’s-Danlos syndrome present ?
Joint pain and hypermobility
Joint dislocations
Soft and stretchy skin
Stretch marks
Easy bruising
Poor wound healing
Bleeding
Chronic pain and fatigue
Headaches
What is the Beighton score ?
It is used to assess for hypermobility and support the diagnosis of Ehler’s danlos syndrome.
what is the management of Ehler’s danlos syndrome ?
No cure
Follow ups
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Moderating activity