Rheumatology Flashcards
Define rheumatology
Medical management of musculoskeletal disease
Define inflammation
Reaction of the micro-circulation that results in the movement of fluid and WBC’s into the extra-vascular tissue which causes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines
What are the 4 pillars of inflammation
Red (rubor)
Pain (Dolor)
Hot (Calor)
Swollen (Tumor)
How might inflammation present in the joints
Hot, painful red and swollen joint
Stiffness
Poor mobility and function
Deformity
What are the characteristics of an inflammatory rheumatological disease
Pain eases with use
Stiffness (Significant >60mins and early morning and at rest)
Swelling
Hot and red
Young, people with psoriasis and family history commonly affected
Joint distribution is commonly in hands and feet
Responds to NSAIDs
What are the characteristics of a degenerative rheumatological disease
Pain increases with use
Stiffness that is not prolonged <30 mins and occurs in morning and evening
Swelling
Not clinically inflamed
Older patients with prior occupation or sport affected
less convincing response to NSAIDs
Where does rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affect
Synovial joints
What are the some of the characteristic signs of rheumatoid arthritis
Ulnar drift
Polyarthritis
Swan neck deformity
Erosion on X-ray
Where does nodal oestoarthritis commonly affect
begins at the base of the tumblebug and affects the distal interphalangeal joints
Proximal interphalangeal joints = Bouchards nodes
Distal interphalangeal joints = Hebedens nodes
What is Raynaud’s
White areas in the fingers due to a change in temperature, particularly cold which causes the clamping down of capillaries and subsequent hypoxia
What are the enthesitis
where the muscle joins the bone
What is dactylitis
Inflammation of all joints and tendon sheaths of toe or finger = sausage digits
What investigations might you do insomene with a suspected rheumatological condition
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate CRP Autoantibodies - Rheumatoid factor - Anti-cycluc citrullinated peptide
What antibody might you see in someone with lupus
ANA
Give 3 causes of inflammatory joint pain.
- Autoimmune disease e.g. RA, vasculitis, connective tissue disease.
- Crystal arthritis.
- Infection.
Give 2 causes of non-inflammatory joint pain.
- Degenerative e.g. osteoarthritis.
2. Non-degenerative e.g. fibromyalgia.
How does inflammatory pain differ from degenerative non-inflammatory pain?
Inflammatory pain tends to ease with use whereas degenerative pain increased with use.
Are you more likely to see swelling in inflammatory or degenerative pain?
In inflammatory pain you are likely to see synovial swelling. There is often no swelling in degenerative pain.
Explain why ESR levels are raised in someone with inflammatory joint pain.
Inflammation leads to increased fibrinogen which means the RBC’s clump together. The RBC’s therefore fall faster and so you have an increased ESR.
Explain why CRP levels are raised in someone with inflammatory joint pain.
Inflammation leads to increased levels of IL-6. CRP is produced by the liver in response to IL-6 and therefore is raised.
What are seronegative spondyloarthropathies
Group of inflammatory arthritides affecting the spine and peripheral joints without the production of rheumatoid factor and associated with HLA-B27
What is HLA-B27
Class 1 surface antigen involved with MHC and function as an APC
What conditions are involved in seronegative spondyloarthopathies
Ankylosing Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis Reactive arthritis Enteropathic arthritis Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis
What are the common features of seronegative spondyloarthropathies
Axial arthritis and sacroilitis Asymmetrical large joint oligoarthritis/monoarthritis Enthesitis Dactylitis Iritis Psoriaform rashes Oral ulcers Aortic regurgitation
Why is B27 linked with disease
Molecular mimicry
Misfolding theory
HLA-B27 heavy chain homodimer hypothesis
Describe the molecular mimicry theory
Infection leads to an immunee response - infectious agent has similar peptides to HLA-B27 molecule leading to an autoimmune response against HLA-B27
Describe the misfolding theory
Unfolded HLA-B27 proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum and trigger the ER unfolded protein response which causes IL-23 release and triggers proinfllamtoy response via interleukin 17+ T-lymphocytes
Describe the HLA-B27 heavy chain homodimer hypothesis
B27 chains form stable dimers and dimerise and accumulate in the ER which stimulates the ER unfolded protein response
Heavy chains bind immune regulators such as NK receptors causing expression and survival of leukocytes
What is the pneumonic for clinical features of seronegative spondyloarthropathies
SPINEACHE
Sausage digit = dactylics Psoriasis Inflammaotory back pain NSAID good response Enthesitis (Heel) Arthritis Crohns/Ulcerative colitis HLA-B27 Eye - uveitis
What is ankylosing spondylitis
Chronic disease of unknown aetiology characterised by stiffening and inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints leading to joint fusion
Describe the epidemiology of ankylosing spondylitis
It is more common in men that women and presents in men earlier around their late teens and early 20’s
Describe the genetic basis of ankylosing spondylitis
95% of people who have the condition re HLA-B27+ve
Describe the presentation ankylosing spondylitis
Gradual onset back pain that radiates from the sacro-iliac joints (Sacrolitis) to the hips and the buttocks - pain is often worse @ night with morning stiffness and is relieved by exercise
Progressive loss of all spinal movements
Development of kyphosis and neck hyperextension
Enthesitis
Costochondritis
What are the extra-articular manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis
Osteoporosis
Acute iritis/anterior uveitis
Aortic valve incompetence
Apical pulmonary fibrosis
What are the investigations for someone with suspected ankylosing spondylitis
Radiological Changes (X-ray and MRI)
- Sacroilitis = irregularities, sclerosis and erosions
- Vertebra = Corner erosions, syndesmophwytes
- Bamboo spone
DEXA scan and CXR
HLA-B27 Test
FBC (Anaemia, Increased ESR, CRP and HLA-B27 +ve)
What is the management of ankylosing spondylitis
Exercise Physio Medical - NSAIDs - Anti-TNF = Infiliximab - Local steroid injections - Bisphosphonates - IL-17 blockers Surgical = hip replacement to decrease pain and increase mobility
Describe some of the clinical features of psoriatic arthritis
Asymmetrical oligoarthritis Distal arthritis of the DIP joints Symmetrical polyarthritis Arthritis mutilans Dactylitis Psoriatic plaques Nail changes - Pitting - Subungual hyperkeratosis - onchyolysis Enthesitis (Achilles Tendon and plantar fasciitis)
What changes of X-ray might you see in psoriatic arthritis
Erosion leading to pencil in cup deformity of the nails
What is the treatment of psoriatic arthritis
NSAIDs - ibuprofen
DMARD = Sulfasalazine, methotrexate and cyclosporin
Anti-TNF - Infiliximab
IL-12/23 blockers - ustekinumab
With what tissue type are all spondyloarthritis conditions associated?
They are all associated with tissue type HLAB27
What is the general treatment for all spondyloarthritis?
Initially DMARDs and then biological agents if DMARDs fail e.g. TNF blockers.
Describe the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis.
Inflammation of spine -> erosive damage -> repair/new bone formation -> irreversible fusion of spine.
What is the diagnostic criteria for ankylosing spondylitis?
- > 3 months back pain.
- Aged <45 at onset.
- Plus one of the SPINEACHE symptoms.
Give 3 locations that psoriasis commonly occurs at.
- Elbows.
- Knees.
- Fingers.
Define reactive arthritis
Sterile inflammation of the synovial membrane, tendons and fascia triggered by an infection at a distant site, usually GI or genital.
What gut infections are associated with reactive arthritis?
Campylobacter
Salmonella
Shigella
Yersinia
What STIs are associated with reactive arthritis
Chlamydia
Ureaplasma
HIV
Describe the clinical presentation of reactive arthritis
Asymmetrical lower limb oligoarthritis - esp knee Iritis and conjunctivitis Keratoderma blenorrhagica Circinate balanitis Enthesitis Mouth ulcers Sterile urethritis
What are the investigations for someone with reactive arthritis
Increased CRP and ESR
Stool culture if diarrhoea
What is the management of reactive arthritis
NSAIDs and steroids
Relapse may require sulfsalazine and methotrexate
Antibiotics to treat infection
Enteropathic arthritis is associated with patients of what other disease
IBD - Crohns or UC
What is the presentation of enteropathic arthritis
Asymmetrical Large joint oligoarthritis mainly affecting lower limbs
Sacroilitis may occur
What is the treatment of enteropathic arthritis
Treat the IBD
NSAIDs and articular steroids for arthritis
Colectomy for remission in UC
What is the criteria for making a clinical diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Joint swelling/stiffness >6 weeks in children <16 and no other cause is identified.
What is the aetiology of JIA?
Unknown - idiopathic!
However, it is autoimmune so there are genetic factors associated.
Why is it important to check the eyes in JIA?
The lining of the eyes and the joints is very similar. Children with JIA are at a high risk of developing uveitis!
What type of JIA affects <4 joints and is usually ANA positive?
Oligoarthritis.
High risk of developing uveitis!
What JIA is similar to adult ankylosing spondylitis?
Enthesitis related JIA - inflammation of where the tendon joins a bone. HLAB27 positive.
Describe the non-medical treatment for JIA.
- Information.
- Education.
- Support.
- Liaison with school.
- Physiotherapy.
Describe the medical treatment for JIA.
- Steroid joint injections.
- NSAIDS.
- Methotrexate.
- Systemic steroids.
Give 5 potential consequences that can occur if you fail to treat JIA.
- Damage.
- Deformity.
- Disability.
- Pain.
- Bony overgrowth.
- Uveitis.
What is vasculitis?
Inflammation and necrosis of blood vessel walls with subsequent impaired blood flow.
What are the consequences of vasculitis
Vessel wall destruction = haemorrhage
Endothelial injury = thrombosis and infarction
What cells might you see on a histological slide taken from someone with vasculitis?
Neutrophils and giant cells.
What are the two different systems used for classifying vasculitis
Chapel Hill
By vessel size
Chapel Hill classification: give an example of a large artery primary disorder.
Giant cell arteritis
Takayasu’s Arteritis
Chapel Hill classification: Give an example of a medium vessel disorder
Polyarteritis nodosa
Kawasakis Disease
Chapel hill classification: Give an example of a small vessel disorder
Churg-strauss
Wegners granulomatosis
Goodpasture’s disease
How are the small vessel vasculitis’s categorised
By the presence of certain anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)
Define giant cell arteritis
Granulomatous inflammation of aorta, external carotid branches
What are the two types of giant cell arteritis
Cranial GCA
Large vessel GCA
Describe the epidemiology of giant cell arteritis
Affects those over 50 more commonly
Incidence increases with age
Twice as common in women
What are the features of Giant cell arteritis
Systemic signs (Fever, malaise, fatigue) Visual loss - diplopia Headache (Abrupt, temporal, unilateral) Temporal artery and scalp tenderness Jaw and tongue claudication Amaurosis fugax Prominent temporal artery pulsation Polymyalgia Limb claudication
What might you find on clinical investigation in someone with giant cell arteritis?
- Palpable and tender temporal arteries with reduced pulsation.
- Sudden monocular visual loss, the optic disc is pale and swollen.
What is the diagnostic criteria for giant cell arteritis?
- Age >50.
- New headache.
- Temporal artery tenderness.
- Abnormal artery biopsies.
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has giant cell arteritis?
- Bloods for inflammatory markers e.g. CRP, ESR.
2. Temporal artery biopsy.
What is the management for giant cell arteritis
Prompt corticosteroids - prednisolone.
- Methotrexate is sometimes adeed.
- Osteoporosis prophylaxis is important e.g. lifestyle advice and vitamin D.
What is the pathophysiology of Giant cell arteritis
- Activation of dendritic cells in adventitia
- Recruitment and activation of T cells
- Recruitment of CD8+ and monocytes
- Vascular damage and remodelling
Define Wegner’s Granulomatosis
Rare, life threatening multi system necrotising granulomatous disease causing damage to predominantly small arteries
Is Wegener’s granulomatosis associated with c-ANCA or p-ANCA?
c-ANCA.
What organ systems can be affected by Wegener’s granulomatosis?
- URT.
- Lungs.
- Kidneys.
- Skin.
- Eyes.
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the URT?
- Sinusitis.
- Otitis.
- Epistaxis
- Saddle nose deformity
- Nasal crusting.
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the lungs?
Cough Haemoptysis PLeuritis - Pulmonary haemorrhage/nodules. - Inflammatory infiltrates are seen on X-ray.
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the kidney?
Glomerulonephritis.
Haematuria
Proteinuria
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the skin?
Palpable purpura
Vasculitic rash
What is the affect of Wegener’s granulomatosis on the eyes?
- Uveitis.
- Scleritis.
- Episcleritis.
- ocular keratitis
- Conjunctivitis
What is the investigations for Wagner’s granulomatosis
cANCA
Dipstick for haematuria and proteinuria
CXR = Bilateral nodular and cavity infiltrates
What is the management of Wagner’s granulomatosis
Steroids, methotrexate and cyclophosphamide
Induction of remission = cyclophosphamide/rituximab/ glucocorticoids and plasma exchange
Maintenance of remission = DMARDS, Rituximab, glucocorticoid taper
What is the pathophysiology of the ANCA positive Vasculidities (Wegners and Churg strauss
Necrotising granulomatous vasculitis affecting the arterioles and venules
- ANCA’s can activate primed circulating neutrophils which lead to fibrin deposition in vessel wall and deposition of destructive inflammatory mediators
Define osteoarthritis
Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disorder characterised by progressive loss of hyaline articular cartilage and formation of new bone
What are the risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis
- Old age
- Obesity - pro inflammatory state
- Predisposing joint abnormality
- Family history
- Trauma
- Occupation
- Abnormal biomechanics (Hypermobility)
Where is osteoarthritis most common
In the synovial joints
What are the two classifications of osteoarthritis
Primary - no underlying causes
Secondary - known underlying cause suc as obesity
Name a few locations where osteoarthritis is common
Knees Hips DIPs PIPs Thumb carpometacarpal joint
What are the most important cells responsible for OA?
Chrondrocytes.
Name 5 symptoms of osteoarthritis
- Morning stiffness (<30 minutes).
- Pain - aggravated by activity and worse at night and with rest
- Tenderness.
- Walking and ADLs affected.
- Joint swelling and bony enlargement.
- Deformities.
- Crepitus.
- Decreased range of movement and functional impairment
- Asymmetrical
What are the signs of osteoarthritis
Bouchards nodes at PIPJ
Heberdens nodes at DIPJ
Thumb CMC squaring
Fixed flexion deformity
What is the diagnostic investigation for OA
X-ray
Give 5 radiological features associated with OA.
- Joint space narrowing.
- Osteophyte formation.
- Sub-chondral sclerosis.
- Sub-chondral cysts.
- Abnormalities of bone contour.
What is the non-medical management for OA
Education Decrease Exercise, increase rest Weight loss Physio Walking aids, supportive footwear
What is the pharmacological management of OA
- NSAIDS (topical better than PO).
- Paracetamol.
- Intra-articular steroid injections.
- DMARDs if there is an inflammatory component.
Describe the surgical management of OA
- Arthroscopy for loose bodies.
- Osteotomy (changing bone length).
- Arthroplasty (joint replacement).
- Fusion (usually ankle and foot).
Give 3 indications for surgery in OA
- Significant limitation of function.
- Uncontrolled pain.
- Waking at night from pain.
A patient complains of ‘locking’, what is the most likely cause of this?
This is probably due to a loose body e.g. a bone or cartilage fragment.
What is the treatment for loose bodies?
Arthroscopy.
Give an example of an inherited connective tissue disease.
- Marfan’s syndrome.
2. Ehler Danlos syndrome.
Give an example of an autoimmune connective tissue disease.
- SLE.
- Systemic sclerosis.
- Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Dermatomyositis.
Describe the pathophysiology and common features of marfan’s syndrome
Abnormal fibrillar production
- long limbs
- pectus excavatum
- aortic root enlargement
- arachnodactyly
Describe the pathophysiology and common features of Ehlers danlos syndrome
Abnormal collagen production
- stretchy skin
- joint hyper-mobility
Define SLE
Systemic lupus erythamatosus is an autoimmune multi system inflammatory disease in which auto-antibodies to a variety of auto-antigens result in the formation and desposition of immune complexes
What are the causes of lupus
Interplay between EBV and genetics
Drugs (Isoniazid, hydralazine and anti-TNF)
Genetic association with HLA DR2, DR3 and C4 A null gene
What is the epidemiology of SLE
More prevalent in females
most common around child bearing age
More common in afro-caribbeans and asians
What are the symptoms of lupus
- Arthritis that is symmetrical, non-erosive and affects the peripheral joints
- Renal - proteinuria and BP increase due to lupus nephritis
- ANA +ve in 95%
- Serositis
- Pericarditis
- Pleuritis - Haematological
- Neutro and lymphocytopaenia
- Thrombocytopenia - Reynauld’s
- Mouth ulcers
- Malar Butterfly rash
- Neurological
- Seizures
- Psychosis - Constitutional = Fatigue, weight loss, fever and myalgia
Describe the pathogenesis of SLE.
- Inefficient phagocytosis means cell fragments are transferred to lymphoid tissue where they are taken up by APC. T cells stimulate B cells to produce antibodies against self-antigens.
- Immune complex deposition -> neutrophil and cytokine influx -> inflammation and tissue damage.
What can cause thrombosis in patients with SLE?
The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
What autoantibody is specific to SLE?
Anti-dsDNA.
Describe the immunology of lupus
95% are ANA+ve
dsDNA is very specific
Anticardiolipin +ve
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has SLE?
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has SLE?
- Blood count may show normocytic anaemia; neutropenia; thrombocytopaenia. Raised ESR, normal CRP.
- Serum autoantibodies: ANA, anti-dsDNA.
Describe the non-medical treatment for SLE.
- Education and support.
- UV protection.
- Screening for organ involvement.
- Reduce CV risk factors e.g. smoking cessation
Describe the pharmacological treatment for SLE.
- Corticosteroids.
- NSAIDS.
- Anti-malarials (DMARDs).
- Anticoagulants (for those with antiphospholipid antibodies).
- Biological therapy targeting B cells e.g. rituximab.
Treat the proteinuria with ACEi
What is systemic sclerosis
Excess collagen production leading to inflammation, vasculopathy and autoantibody production
Describe the epidemiology of systemic sclerosis
Females affected more than males
30-50 years most common
What are the two types of systemic sclerosis
Limited (70%)
Diffuse (30%)
What are the symptoms of limited systemic sclerosis (CREST)
Calcinosis
Raynaud’s
Oesophageal and gut dysmotility
Sclerodactyly (Tightening and thick skin on fingers and toes
Telangiectasia - dilated facial spider veins
Skin involvement is limited to the face, hands and feet
What are the symptoms of diffuse systemic sclerosis
Diffuse skin involvement Organ fibrosis - GOR, aspiration, dysphagia - lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension Cardiac arrthymias Renal = acute hypertensive crisis Short reynaulds history
What are the ivestigations for someone with systemic sclerosis
FBC (anaemia) U+E (renal impairment
Urine = dipstick’
Imaging
- CXR (Cardiomegaly, bibasal fibrosis)
- Hands = calcinosis
- Ba swallow shows impaired oesophageal motility
ECG and Echo show evidence of pulmonary hypertension
What is the conservative management of systemic sclerosis
Exercise and skin lubricants
Hand warmers
What is the medical management of systemic sclerosis
- Immunosuppression
- Reynauld’s needs vasodilators = CCb’s ACEis and IV prostacyclin
- Renal = ACEi
- Oesophageal = PPIs
- Pulmonary fibrosis needs cyclophosphamide
What is dermatomyositis
A rare disorder of unknown aetiology. There is inflammation and necrosis of skeletal muscle fibres and skin.
Give 3 symptoms of dermatomyositis.
- Rash.
- Symmetrical proximal Muscle weakness.
- Lungs are often affected too e.g. ILD.
What are the extra-muscular features of dermatomyositis
Fever
Arthritis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Reynauld’s
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect has dermatomyositis?
- Muscle enzymes - raised.
- EMG.
- Muscle/skin biopsy.
- Screen for malignancy.
- CXR.
What is the treatment for dermatomyositis?
Immunosuppression
- steroids
- Cytotoxic (Azathioprine and methotrexate)
What is the pathophysiology of sjögren’s syndrome?
Immunologically mediated destruction of epithelial exocrine glands, especially lacrimal and salivary glands.
What are the two types of sjorgens syndrome
Primary
- female more common and in 4th to 5th decade of life
Secondary
- second to RA, SLE, Systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cirrhosis
What are the features of Sjorgens
Decreased tear production = dry eyes
decreased salvation = xerostomia
Bilateral parotid swelling
Vaginal dryness = dyspareunia
What other autoimmune conditions of sjorgens associated with
Thyroid disease
PBC
MALT lymphoma
What is the investigations for sjorgens syndrome
Look for serum antibodies
- ANA and RF
Schimmer tear test - ability for eyes to self hydrate
Parotid biopsy
What is the treatment for sjorgens syndrome
- Tear and saliva replacement.
- Immunosuppression for systemic complications
- NSAIDs ans hydroxychloroquine for arthralgie, rashes and fever .
What is Reynaulds
Peripheral digital ischaemia precipitated by cold or emotion
What is the classification of Reynauld’s
Primary = Idiopathic
Secondary = second to systemic sclerosis, SLE, RA, sjorgens, Thrombocytosis, B-blockers, Atherosclerosis, frost bite,
Vibrating tools cause vascular damage
What is the presentation of Reynauld’s
Digit pain with triphasic colour change from white to blue to crimson
What is the treatment of Reynauld’s
Wear gloves
CCb’s (nifedipine)
ACEi
IV prostacyclin
Define osteoporosis.
A systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration. The patient is at increased risk of fracture and bone fragility
Describe the epidemiology of osteoporosis.
50% of women and 20% of men over 50 are affected. The incidence increases with age.
What 2 factors are important for determining the likelihood of osteoporotic fracture?
- Propensity to fall -> trauma.
2. Bone strength.
What is post menopause osteoporosis
Loss of the restraining effects of oestrogen on bone turnover characterised by
- high bone turnover
- Predominantly cancellous bone formation
- Microarchitectural disruption
What happens to bone micro-architecture as we get older that leads to a reduction in bone strength?
Trabecular thickness decreases; especially in the horizontal plane. There are fewer connections between trabecular and so an overall decrease in trabecular strength -> increased risk of fracture.
Remodelling due to increased osteoclast and decreased osteoblast activity
What are the causes of osteoporosis
- AI conditions because inflammatory cytokines increase resorption
- RA and IBD - Cushing’s disease (Induces osteoblast apoptosis)
3 Post menopause - Hyperthyroidism and primary hyperparathyroidism as TH and PTH increase bone turnover
- Steroids (Testosterone and oestrogen control bone turnover
- Reduced skeletal loading increases resorption
What medications can increase osteoporosis risk
Glucocorticoids Depo-provera contraception Aromatase inhibitors GnRH analogues Androgen deprivation
What are the other risk factors for osteoporosis
Previous fracture Family history Alcohol Smoking Medications immobility
What are the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis
asymptomatic development with fragile bone and pathological fractures
Give 4 properties of bone that contribute to bone strength
- Bone mineral density
- Bone size
- Bone micro-architecture
- Mineralisation
- Bone turnover
- Geometry
Why can RA cause osteoporosis?
RA is an Inflammatory disease. There are high levels of IL-6 and TNF; these are responsible for increased bone resorption.
What investigations might you do in someone who you suspect to have osteoporosis
DEXA scan to produce a T score
FRAX (10yr fracture risk)
Name 2 areas of the skeleton commonly affected by osteoporosis that the DEXA scan focuses on.
- Lumbar spine.
- Hip.
- Proximal femur
- Distal radius
What is a T score?
A T score is a standard deviation that is compared to a gender-matched young adult mean.
What is a FRAX score
predicts 10 year fracture chance but cannot be used in people under 40
What T score signifies that a patient has osteoporosis?
T >-2.5
What T score signifies that a patient has osteopenia?
-2.5 < T < -1
What is a normal T score?
-1
Give 2 examples of anti-resorptive treatments used in the management of osteoporosis.
- Bisphosphonates (Alendronate, risedronate)
- inhibit cholesterol formation leading to osteoclast apoptosis - HRT.
Anti-resorptive treatments decrease osteoclast activity.
Give an example of an anabolic treatment used in the management of osteoporosis.
Teriparatide.
- analogue of PTH
Anabolic treatments increase osteoblast activity.
What cells do anti-resorptive treatments target in people with osteoporosis?
They decrease osteoclast activity.
What cells do anabolic treatments target in people with osteoporosis?
They increase osteoblast activity.
Give 3 advantages of HRT.
- Reduces fracture risk.
- Stops bone loss.
- Prevents menopausal symptoms.
Give 3 disadvantages of HRT.
- Increased risk of breast cancer.
- Increased risk of stroke and CV disease.
- Increased risk of thrombo-embolism.
Give an example of a bisphosphonate.
Alendronate.
What pathway do bisphosphonates target?
HMGCoA pathway.
What is the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia?
Chronic widespread pain lasting for >3months with other causes excluded. Pain is at 11 of 18 tender point sites.
Give 3 factors that increase the volume of pain.
- Substance P.
- Glutamate.
- Serotonin.
Give 3 factors that decrease the volume of pain.
- Opioids.
- GABA.
- Cannabanoids.
Name 4 diseases that fibromyalgia is commonly associated with.
- Depression.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Chronic headache.
- IBS.
What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia
Neurosis - Depression, anxiety and stress Disatisfaction at work Overprotective family or lack of support Middle age Low income Divorced Low educational status