Rheumatology Flashcards
What codes for genetic predisposition to RA
HLA DR4 serotype
How does smoking cause RA
Cigarettes cause citrullination of proteins - post translational modification by which arginine is converted to citrulline. Citrullination is a normal process, required for skin formation
In RA, an abnormal autoimmune response develops against citrullinated peptide->anti-cyclic citrilinated protein antibodies
Shared epitope predispose to the development
What is the synovial immunology of RA
Adaptive and innate immune pathways integrate. T cells releasing cytokines which are pro-inflammatory. T cells activating B cells which become plasma cells that release anti-CCP antibodies. In joint lining, innate cells like macrophages (cytokine) and neutrophils (reactive oxygen intermediates) causing damage and inflammation. Activation of the cell within the lining of the join: chondrocytes, fibroblasts, osteoclasts. These activations cause tissue remodelling and damage.
What do osteoclasts do in RA
Osteoclasts are the major driver of bony erosion in rheumatoid - causes breakdown and degradation of bone.
What are the joint signs of RA
Polyarthritis: tender, swollen, stiff, painful
Symmetrical involvement:
Hands - MCP/PIP joints
Feet - MTP joints
Variable large joints involved
How is RA diagnosed
Rheumatoid factor (antibody factor of IgM): classically red cells or latex particles. Currently nephelometry or ELISA anti-CCP antibody: uses ELISA, more specific than RF
What is swan neck deformity
hyperextension of PIJ and flexion of DIJ
What is boutonniere defeformity
PIJ (flexion) bent towards the palm and DIJ (hyperextension) is bent away
How does RA invovle the spine
Lower lumbar spine and thoracic spine is rarely involved.
Atlas and Axis: erosion can occur at odontoid peg. Can cause forward movement of atlas over axis, causing the head to move forward - can cause cord compression.
Define RA nodules
RA nodules are often painless. CCP and rheumatoid factor positive.
Nodules can occur in the chest - rheumatoid lung disease. Can also cause fibrosis of the lungs - pulmonary fibrosis (long standing RA).
What is necrotising slceritis
repeated sclerosis which can cause perforation of the sclera
What is methotrexate
Analogue of folic acid
Inhibits enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) reducing folinic acid -> affects purine and pyrimidine metabolism
What are the adverse effects of methotrexate
nausea, bone marrow suppression, hepatoxicity, pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs, presenting with SOB and fever), embryotoxic
What are TNF inhibitors
monoclonal abx that bind to cytokine TNF. Currently have 5 different TNF inhibitors - Infliximab, Adalimumab (pens given sc), Golimumab, Certolizumab pegol, Etanercept
What is IL-6
most abundant cytokine within RA synovium. Drives acute phase response, mediates chemokine driven lymphocyte trafficking, induction of RANK-L (activates osteoclasts) through JAK/STAT signalling.
What is rituximab
(also treats non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma): monoclonal abx that targets the CD20 molecule expressed on the surface of B cells - depletion of B cell. Efficacy persists long after drug clearance. Only effective in seropositive px
What is tocilizumab
(given sc) binds to IL-6 receptor, preventing IL-6 binding
How is SLE diagnosed
ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, antiphospholipid Abs, low complement, direct Coomb’s test