Rheumatology

Question 1

what is rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 1

an autoimmune disease causing inflammation to the joints, destroying the cartilage and bone

Question 2

what is lupus

Answer 2

an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its healthy tissue - therefore affecting many body systems

Question 3

what is vasculitis

Answer 3

an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the blood vessels

Question 4

what is temporal arteritis

Answer 4

vasculitis affecting the temporal arteries

Question 5

what are the symptoms of temporal arteritis

Answer 5

headache, tiredness, stiff jaw

Question 6

what is the treatment for temporal arteritis

Answer 6

high dose of corticosteroids

Question 7

what is methotrexate used to treat

Answer 7

RA, lupus, vasculitis

cancer as its in chemotherapy

Question 8

how does methotrexate work in chemotherapy

Answer 8

inhibits DNA synthesis (antimetabolite)

Question 9

how often are doses of methotrexate given

Answer 9

weekly

Question 10

what are the ADRs for methotrexate

Answer 10

mucositis, bone marrow suppression, hepatitis, pnemonitis, infection

Question 11

which rheumatological treatment option can cause teratogenesis

Answer 11

methotrexate

Question 12

how do corticosteroids work

Answer 12

they prevent the production of interleukin 1 by macrophages

Question 13

what are the side effects of corticosteroids

Answer 13

diabetes, increased blood pressure and osteoporosis

Question 14

what is azathioprine used to treat

Answer 14

lupus and vasculitis

Question 15

what are the ADRs of azathioprine

Answer 15

bone marrow suppression, cancer risk, infection and hepatitis

Question 16

what must be tested before starting treatment with anti-TNF agents

Answer 16

TB as these increase the risk for reactivation of latent TB