Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What will XRs for both RA and OA show?
Joint space narrowing
Differences in XR between RA and OA?
OA: Osteophytes, DIP involvement / RA: Erosions
OA affects _______ (joints) / RA affects ________
PIP, DIP / PIP, MCP, Wrist
OA spares: / RA spares
wrist, MCP / DIP
Important Tx in philosophy in RA?
Treat early and aggressively
20% of RA patients have:
Nodules situated over bony prominences, tendons, bursa
Sx associated with RA / size of joints affected
Nodules, interstitial lung disease, pleural effusion, pericarditis, splenomegaly, vasculitis / small
What two tests are the best to order for RA? / What other labs are elevated?
Anti-CCP & Rheumatoid Factor / ERS, CRP
What test is most specific for RA?
Radiographic tests
Osteoarthritis is ________ by rest; Morning stiffness of RA is ________ relieved by rest
relieved // not
Disease that also causes polyarthralgias but the patient would be sero-negative
Polymyalgia rheumatica
What med to use / what class not to rely on & why?
Methotrexate / NSAIDs - don’t do anything to prevent future erosions
Classic PE findings of RA:
Swan Neck, Boutinierre Deformity, Ulnar deviation of fingers
Demographic RA affects:
Women 40-50