Degenerative versus Inflammatory Joint Conditions Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Degenerative versus Inflammatory Joint Conditions Deck (18)
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1
Q

What is the most common form of arthritis?

A

Osteoarthritis

2
Q

What percentage of the population suffer from rheumatoid arthritis?

A

1%

3
Q

Compare the disease onset of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

A
OA = slow, over years
RA = relatively rapid (weeks to months)
4
Q

Compare the joint symptoms of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

A
OA = joints ache and tender
RA = joints are painful, swollen and stiff
5
Q

Which joints are often affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

A

Small and large joints on both sides of the body; hands, wrists or elbows, balls of the feet etc.

6
Q

Which joints are often affected by osteoarthritis?

A

Often unilateral and are in the DIPs, PIPs, thumbs or large weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees and spine

7
Q

Compare the duration of morning stiffness between rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

A
OA = lasts less than an hour (returns at the end of the day or after physical activity) 
RA = lasts longer than an hour
8
Q

In which ethnicities is osteoarthritis of the hip uncommon?

A

Africans and asians

9
Q

In which ethnicities is polyarticular osteoarthritis uncommon?

A

Africans and Malaysians

10
Q

What predisposes individuals to develop premature polyarticular osteoarthritis?

A

Inherited type II collagen defects

11
Q

What are the four signs of osteoarthritis on x-ray?

A

> Joint space narrowing (cartilage loss)
Osteophytes
Subchondral sclerosis (white line by exposed bone)
Trabeculae fractures/subchondral cysts

12
Q

Name two types of osteoarthritis.

A

Nodal generalised OA and erosive OA

13
Q

What is nodal generalised osteoarthritis?

A

Affects small joints of the hands primarily (Herberden’s/Bouchard’s nodes) and disease often starts around the time of menopause BUT HRT doesn’t help symptoms or progression

14
Q

What is erosive osteoarthritis?

A

An inflammatory form of OA that often affects the DIPs, characterised by erosions of cartilage in the hands and is often present in middle-aged/post-menopausal women and is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis

15
Q

How do you diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?

A

Rheumatoid factor (IgM antibody to the Fc portion of IgG)

16
Q

What is rheumatoid factor?

A

It’s a IgM antibody to the Fc portion of IgG antibodies. It is found in 60-80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

17
Q

What two antibodies can be tested for to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?

A

Rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies

18
Q

Why may rheumatoid arthritis lead to anaemia of chronic disease?

A

As the activation of monocytes and T-cells due to inflammation causes:
> Inhibition of EPO release
> Inhibits erythroid proliferation in red bone marrow
> Increases hepatic synthesis of hepicidin which prevents iron release –> fewer red blood cells produced
> Augments haemophagocytosis (also prevents iron release)