The science of Rheumatoid arthritis Flashcards
What are the functions of the synovium?
Maintenance of intact tissue surface
Lubrication of cartilage
Control of syonovial fluid volume and composition
Nutrition of chondrocytes within joints
What happens in a joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
Tendon sheath becomes inflamed
Erosion into corner of bone
Thinning of cartilage
Synovium becomes inflamed
How is rheumatoid arthritis defined?
Chronic symmetric polyarticular inflammatory joint disease which primarily affects small joints of the hands and feet
What happens to synovial fluid composition in rheumatoid arthritis?
Contains neutrophils
What is pannus?
An abnormal layer of granulation tissue
What happens as a result of the presence of pannus in the joint?
Bone and cartilage destruction
Is rheumatoid arthritis genetically linked?
Yes
Which gene is associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
HLA-DRB1
What are environmental factors for rheumatoid arthritis?
Smoking/bronchial stress
Infectious agents associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Repeated insults in genetically susceptible individual
What infectious agents are associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
Viruses - EBC, CMV E.Coli Mycoplasma Periodontal disease Microbiome - gut microbes
What evidence of autoimmunity is present for many years before onset of rheumatoid arthritis?
High serum levels of autoantibodies
What cells mediate bone and cartilage destruction?
Osteoclasts and fibroblast-like synoviocytes
What are systemic consequences of rheumatoid arthritis?
Vasculitis Amyloidosis CVS disease - altered lipid metabolism Fatigue and reduced cognitive function Anaemia Fibrosis of lungs Sarcopoenia Osteoperosis
