Rhuem Flashcards
Define RA and explain pathophysiology
INFLAMMATORY SYNOVITIS
autoantibodies attack host
Neutrophils and T cells in the synovial fluid cells are activated
Cytokines, Interleukin-1, TNF-alpha, Chondrocytes all attack cartilage.
Synovium then digests cartilage, inflammatory molecules released containing interleukin-1 and TNF alpha
shared epitope in RA (HLA___?)
HLA BRB1
epidemiology of RA
FM 3:1
>15 y/old
more common in smokers
what areas does RA spare?
Lower back
DIP
WHat is a Pannus?
abnormal tissue growth cause by thickening or inflammation of the synovium.
Cytokines cause new blood vessels to develop in the synovium causing growth of extra tissues eventually forms pannus
what is a characteristic of RA seen on Physical exam and where would these be found?
Nodules
seen on
hands
olecranon
Calcaneal tuberosity
2 deformities seen in RA
Boutonniere deformity: flexion of the PIP and hyperextension of the DIP joint.
Swan neck deformity: hyperextension of the PIP and flexion of the DIP joint.
What would you see on a blood test in pts w/ RA
Hypochromatic-microcytic anemia with low serum Fe
or normal iron-binding capacity almost universal in patients with active RA
what would you find on Physical exam in a pt with RA
Warm tender erythematous joints, hands and wrists
DIP are notably excluded
Ulnar Deviation of the digits
Boutonniere’s deformity
Rheumatoid Nodules
Cysts in popliteal space (Baker’s cyst)
Decrease ROM in joints
What antibodies are usually positive in pts w/ RA
Anti-CCP
ANA (20%)
RF (although does not rule out RA if negative)
what are 2 subtypes of RA
ACPA + is a more aggressive clinical phenotype (67%)
responds better to tx
ACPA - respond less to common treatments
how many points id dx for RA
6 points
first line tx for RA
DMARD
methotrexate
Leflunomide ( alt to methotrexate high GI side affects)
what do you prescribe pts w/ RA while waiting for DMARDs to take effect
corticosteroids (prednisone) for flares
NSAIDs
COX-2
complications seen w/ RA
feltys synd
baker cyst
carpal tunnel
altanto-axial subluxation
what is felty’s synd
Triad of RA + Neutropenia + Splenomegaly
complication of RA - tx RA and this should resolve
what is Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
inflammatory disorder of pain associated with the proximal muscles
seen in elderly, more common in white women
HIGH correlation w/ GCA
key feature of PMR
key feature is pain and not weakness, strength is IN TACT
Symptoms worse in AM
Does not cause swollen joints
Patient describes general aches and pains, stiffness, especially upper arms, thighs, hip girdle and shoulders. “trouble getting dressed”
Dx????
PMR
Gold standard Dx of PMR
ESR.
abnormally high.
Tx PMR
prednisone -> QUICK response
If no improvement in 2-3 weeks, unlikely PMR
NSAIDS don’t work
Who should pts w/ PMR always be referred to?
ophthalmology for blindness
What is reactive arthritis?
Auto-immune condition that can occur post infection (typically Genitourinary or Gastro-intestinal infections)
Reaction” to an infection which took place outside of the joints
what are the common pathogens responsible for reactive arthritis?
Chlamydia Campylobacter Salmonella Shigella Yersinia