Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
what is rheumatoid arthritis?
A
chronic inflammation of joints that can cause deformity and systemic symptoms
2
Q
what sex and age range does rheumatoid arthritis tend to affect?
A
females
30-50
3
Q
what is the basic pathology behind rheumatoid arthritis?
A
synovium becomes inflamed and invasive, inflammatory mediators eat away into articular cartilage and bone
4
Q
list classic symptoms and signs of RA
A
joint pain and swelling morning stiffness systemic features tenderness reduced ROM
5
Q
true or false: RA usually affects less joints than OA
A
false
usually affects more
6
Q
list investigations for RA
A
anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor
inflammatory markers
USS
7
Q
list some poor prognostic indicators for RA
A
young age male many active joints high CRP early erosions extra-articular features
8
Q
what is the window of opportunity of treating RA where treatment can prevent irreversible joint damage?
A
three months
9
Q
what is the main treatment for RA?
A
DMARDs
