Rheumatology and MSK PPT Flashcards
What radiological changes do you see in OA?
Loss of joint space
Osteophytes
Subchondral cysts
Subchondral sclerosis
What are teh non-pharmacological approaches to OA management?
weight loss if obese/overweight, physiotherapy, appropriate footwear, heat/cool packs, psychological support, assistive devices, joint supports
What pharmacological management option would you try first in someone with OA?
paracetamol +/- topical NSAIDs.
name two adjunct treatments that can be used in OA
topical capsaicin cream.
intra-articular steroid injections
What is the MOA of NSAIDs?
COX1 and COX 2 inhibitors
Name 4 side effects of NSAIDs
GI disturbance, renal insufficiency, salt/water retention, hyponatraemia/hyperkalaemia, CVS effects, hypersensitivity reactions, headaches/dizziness, skin reactiosn
why does the side effect profile of NSAIDs vary?
different drugs have different degrees of selectivity for COX-1 or COX-2.
when prescribing and NSAID, what steps can you take to reduce the risk of GI side effects?
lowest dose for the shortest time.
take with food.
prescirbe PPI alongside (being aware that PPIs carry their own risk).
consider a selective COX-2 inhibitor instead.
what group of people do you have to be cautious with if prescribing a COX-2 inhibitor?
those with ischaemic heart disease or risk factors for MI as it can increase risk of MI
why are NSAIDs contra-indicated in heart failure?
because they increase salt and water retention
why are NSAIDs avoided during 3rd trimester of pregnancy?
anti-prostaglandin effects prevent ductus arteriosus from closing
when would you consider referring a pt with OA for joint surgery?
- once person has been offered all/most non-surgical options
- if joint sx have a substantial impact on their QoL and are refractory to non-surgical treatment.
- if there are major limitations and pain.
is uric acid level a good indicator to rule out gout?
No - it is unreliable in the acute phase. normal uric acid level does nto rule out gout
what is needed to diagnose gout and rule out septic arthritis?
joint aspiration
how are gout crystals described under polarised light?
negatively birefringent, needle shaped
what are gout crystals made of?
monosodium urate
uric acid is the product of catabolism of what?
purines
what do pseudogout crystals look like under polarised light?
positively birefringent, rhomboid/rectangular shaped crystals
what are pseudogout crystals made of?
calcium pyrophosphate (CPP)
Name two medications that can increase risk of gout
diuretics, chemotherapy agents.
allopurinol when first started can precipitate gout becasue it can casue transient incraese in uric acid levels
why should allopurinol not be used in acute gout?
because it can precipitate gout as it can cause an initial transient increase in uric acid levels
what non-pharmacological advice can you give someone with gout?
rest, elevate limb, avoid trauma, ice-pack, basic analgesia with paracetamol.
what is first line drug option for gout?
NSAID or colchicine
what is the MOA of colchicine?
multiple anti-inflammatory actions. inhibits recruitment and action of neutrophil leucocytes in the joint, specific to a gouty joint. overall, prevents activation, migration and action of neutrophils within joint space.