the medicine Flashcards
what are clinical presentations of rheumatoid arthritis
RA
amthmitis -
symmetrical
swelling
nodules
hand involvement early and in disease -
MCP and PiP joints
describe the joints in the hand
RA
closer to wrist: DIP
middle: MCP
closest to fingertips: PIP
what happens in swan neck as disease progresses
RA
PIP if hyper extended
DIP is flexed
what happens in boutonniere as disease progresses
RA
PIP is flexed
DIP is hyper extended
what is synovitis
RA
inflammation of the synovial membrane
causing pain and swelling
leading to bone and cartilage breakdown and erosion
what is z deformity of the thumb, ulnam deviation
as disease progresses RA
a side effect of progressing RA
what do macrophages do in RA cellular level
secrete cytokines
TNF alpha
Interlukin-1
Interlukin-6
all leading to inflammation
what do the cytokines secreted by the macrophage stimulate
RA
FIBROBLAST II - LIKE SYNIOVITES (FLS)
activates them
proliferate
stimulates RANKL expression along with the cytokines to stimulate osteoclast activty (bone arthritis)
what happens when FLS are stimulated
RA
secretes proteases
cause cartlage to break down
cartilage degredatin
cartilage also secretes proteases
how do we get symmetrical arthritis in RA
FLS can migrate from joint to joint
what do T cells in the synovium do
RA
secrete interlukin-17 which can promote macrophage activity and stimulate FLS
also help in expression of RANKL
what do plasma cells do
RA
stimulate inflammation through cytokines and antibodies
what do neutrphils do in the synovium fluid
RA
produces proteases and recative O2 species
lead to bone and cartilage degredation
what do immune complexes in the synovium fluid do
RA
abs that bind to one another
promote inflammation
what is angiogenesis
RA
increases vacular permeability
increases adhesion molecules
allowing immune cells to migrate into the joints
tell me about pre rheumatoid arthritis
genetics
smoking
porphyromungs gingivitis leading to gingivitis
cause modification of autuantigens
what is modification of autuantigens in RA
mod of own antigens to make it seem foreign to own body, leading to immune response
inflammation can aslo lead to this
APC initiate immune response, goes to lumph node, activates T cells here, CD4, activates B cells (costimulation), proliferate, plasma cells, produce autuantibodies, against own antigen. migrates to joint tissue.
what are the two main abs in RA
rheaumatoid factor IGM and anti citrulinated protein ab
wat is the IGM abs in RA
persesnt in 75% of ppl with IGM
forms immune complexes
what does anti citrullinated ab do in RA
targets citrullenated proteins such as fibrin and fillagbin
more specific for RA
what happens with the cytokines in the blood
RA
increase of inflammatory cytokines in the blood
skin - nodules
liver - more CRP inflammotory marker, more hepctoin = anaemia
CV - plaque formation, MI/stroke
neurological - fatigue and depression
muscles - insulin resistance, muscle weakness
What blood tests will the GP order given the suspected diagnosis of RA?
FBC, RF, ANA, CRP, ESR, Kidney and Liver function, anti-CCP*
*Negative results and normal inflammatory markers do not exclude the diagnosis in the presence or a good history and examination findings.
Should Mrs Montoya follow a specific diet to help with her
suspected new diagnosis?
No specific diet has been evidenced to help; encourage Mediterranean diet
NSAIDs can cause peptic ulceration. Will the EC coating prevent this adverse effect. Explain your reasoning.
No. Systemic inhibition of COX-1, a key enzyme involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis; inhibition of prostaglandin mediated alkaline mucus secretion which protects GI epithelium.
In summary, while enteric coatings on NSAIDs can help reduce the risk of peptic ulceration by protecting the stomach lining from direct irritation, they may not completely eliminate the risk. It’s essential for healthcare providers to consider individual patient factors and closely monitor patients who are at higher risk for GI complications when prescribing NSAIDs, regardless of whether they are enteric-coated or not.
What other safety concerns are there with the long term use of NSAIDs such as naproxen?
Salt and water retention increase BP and precipitate/worsen heart failure
Reno-toxic
Increased risk of thrombotic events (MI and stroke)
GI Toxicity
Why is early diagnosis important in RA?
Damage to joints is irreversible; can lead to gross deformity and functional impairment
How does MTX act to treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. Most likely mechanism is that MTX leads to an accumulation of an inhibitor of the enzyme adenosine deaminase accumulation of adenosine which has anti-inflammatory effects via its receptors.
Also action against various cytokines including IL1, 2 and 6 are more likely to be of significance
Usual first line choice of DMARD for RA – most effective and quickest acting
What are the main side effects associated with MTX therapy?
Nausea, stomatitis
Blood disorders
Liver and lung toxicity
Kidney damage
What points should you cover when counselling Mrs Montoya regarding MTX therapy?
Not an analgesic – takes time to work
Once a week dose (choose a day)
Side effects, including blood disorders and lung function warning
Need for follow up and blood tests
Limit alcohol
Avoid OTC NSAIDs and aspirin; inform all HCPs taking MTX
Mrs Montoya is also prescribed folic acid 5 mg tablets. Why? When should it be taken?
MTX inhibits dihydrofolate reductase leading to lower serum folate. Supplementation counteracts this, reducing incidence of mouth ulcers, stomatitis and nausea
Different regimens depending on hospital Trust – usually once a week the day after MTX
How should Mrs Montoya’s response to the MTX be
monitored?
Symptoms
Side effects
DAS28 score
Health Assessment Questionnaire
What dose of infliximab should Mrs Montoya be started on?
Initial dose: 3mg/kg, so 3 x 82 = 246 mg
What precautions have to be taken when infliximab is
administered?
Close monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions
Resus equipment available, anaphylaxis kits
How does infliximab work to treat RA?
Infliximab inhibits the activity of the inflammatory cytokine, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)
what type of arthritis is OA
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and is often referred to as degenerative joint disease. It primarily affects the cartilage, the protective tissue that covers the ends of bones within a joint. OA is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the affected joint(s).
difference between OA and RA?
OA: Degenerative joint disease, cartilage breakdown, aging, wear-and-tear.
RA: Autoimmune disease, chronic synovial inflammation, systemic symptoms, rapid onset.
OA: Gradual onset, affects weight-bearing joints, hands.
RA: Can develop at any age, affects multiple joints symmetrically.
OA: Not primarily inflammatory, minimal elevation in inflammatory markers.
RA: Significant inflammation, elevated inflammatory markers.
OA: Manage symptoms, improve joint function, lifestyle modifications.
RA: Suppress inflammation, alleviate symptoms, prevent joint damage, use of DMARDs and biologics.
Why did the GP not order any blood tests?
OA
No specific blood tests for OA
Usually based on Hx and clinical examination
What advice and treatment would you expect the GP to give Mrs Walker?
OA
Try to lose weight
Physical activity
Supportive footwear
Signpost to Arthritis Action website
Topical NSAID and/or regular paracetamol
If not effective, oral NSAID (with PPI cover)
Functions of the Nose
Hairs and mucous in each nostril act as filters/barriers for air-borne particles and microorganisms
Warms and moistens incoming air
Nasal mucosa connected to the conjunctiva of the eye, middle ear.
Also, only location in the body that provides direct connection between brain and outside
Bypasses Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) !!
describe anatomy of the nose
olfactory tract
olfactory bulb
olfactory nerves (fingerlike structures)
cribriform plate (nexr to / aside olfactory)
Three delivery modes within Nose
local
systemic
delivery to the CNS
tell me about local delivery in the nose
conventional use
tell me about systemic delivery in the nose
Absorption happens from nasal mucosa
after ingestion and absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
tell me about delivery to the CNS (nose)
Olfactory neurons located in olfactory bulb
Supporting cells and capillary bed
Directly to cerebrospinal fluid
tell me about nasal sprays
These are the main delivery devices used.
Mainly non-pressurised systems, operated by mechanical pump.
They produce a spray plume made of drops of pre-determined size
examples of local products (nose)
For the treatment of various conditions such as decongestion, sinusitis and rhinitis.
E.g. Beconase® Aqueous Nasal Spray
Contains beclometasone dipropionate 50 micrograms
Inflammation in the lining of nose (rhinitis) due to seasonal allergies, such as Hayfever.
Droplets/drug particles are deposited topically on the mucosal tissues.
Drug action through local absorption/effect at target tissue (not systemic).
XHANCE® nasal spray
Contains fluticasone propionate (93 mcg)
Aqueous suspension of microfine fluticasone propionate having a particle size distribution (0-5 um)
what are some complications with local delivery (nose)
However, local product sometimes can result in:
1- some systemic absorption depending on drug/formulation properties.
2- dripping down the throat into the
GIT and undergoes oral absorption.
Exhalation helps elevate and seal the soft palate.
This may limit medication from dripping down the throat
and helps guide the exhaled breath to pass behind the nasal septum and out the opposite nostril.
Examples of Delivery to CNS
nose
Onzetra Xsail®
Sumatriptan nasal powder (11 mg per nosepiece)
For acute treatment of migraine
Onzetra Xsail®
Powder targets highly vascularised upper posterior area of nose (Fig B)
Note that TRUE nose-to-brain delivery via the olfactory nerve is yet to be commercialised!
However, there are preclinical and clinical trials happening currently to explore this route.
For Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as well as other CNS diseases.
Examples of Systemic products
nose
Zomig® Nasal Spray
Contains 5 mg zolmitriptan
Spray contains only one dose.
Fast absorption through the nasal mucosa
May result in faster headache relief compared with oral formulations.
Miacalcin®
Calcitonin nasal spray for
postmenopausal osteoporosis
Synthetic peptide
-Absorbed rapidly by nasal mucosa (max plasma conc. achieved in 13 min)
Replaces injectable calcitonin
Reduces risk of new vertebral fractures
advantage of the nasal route
nose
1- Rapid absorption and onset of action as a result of the highly vascularised nature
2- Avoidance of first-pass metabolism
3- Non-invasive route for systemic delivery (convenience)
4- Potential route for delivery of peptides or other large molecules
5- Delivery to the brain through olfactory nerve.
Challenges of nasal route
nose
1- Short retention time as a result of mucociliary clearance (happens every 20 min)
2- Challenging to deliver sustained formulations
3- May require solubility enhancers for poorly soluble drugs
4- May require permeation enhancers if drug absorption is poor or large molecules (>1000 Da in Mwt.)
5- Molecule susceptibility to degradation by enzymes (e.g. proteolysis)