Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
What is RA
chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder
most common systemic inflammatory disease
symmetrical joint involvement
What extra-articular components of the body are commonly involved in RA
Rheumatoid nodules vasculitis eye inflammation neurologic dysfunction cardiopulmonary disease lymphadenopathy splenomegaly
What is the pathophysiology of RA
chronic inflammation of synovial tissue
- -> pannus
- -> erosions of bone/cartilage
- -> destruction of joint
What is pannus
inflamed, proliferating synovium
How long is the course for RA
slow, gradual over weeks to months
What is the prodrome for RA
fatigue weakness low-grade fever loss of appetite joint pain
What is usually involved with RA
small joints of hands, wrists and feet
symmetrical
What are potential outcomes of RA even with txt
progressive joint destruction
deformity
disability
premature death
How is RA classified
Class 1 - no affect
Class 2 - affect avocational
Class 3 - affect vocational and avocational
Class 4 - limited ability to perform self-care
What are txt goals for RA
reduce/eliminate pain protect articular surfaces control systemic complications prevent loss of joint function improve or maintain QOL
What are non-pharm txt for RA
Rest OT PT patient education assistive devices weight reduction surgery support groups
What are pharm txt for RA
Treat early and aggressively
start DMARDs within 3 months of diagnosis
What meds are used to txt RA
NSAIDs
glucocorticoids
nonbiologic DMARDs
biologic DMARDs
What factors affect txt decisions for RA
disease activity
disease duration
Prognosis
What are signs of poor prognosis with RA
functional limitation extra-articular disease \+Rh factor anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies bony erosions
