Drug treatment of inflammatory joint disease

Question 1

What is the main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 1

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, while rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease.

Question 2

What is the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis worldwide?

Answer 2

0.8%.

Question 3

In which demographic is rheumatoid arthritis 3-5 times more common?

Answer 3

Females.

Question 4

What is the typical age range for the onset of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 4

30-55 years old.

Question 5

What is a common consequence of rheumatoid arthritis for patients 2-3 years after onset?

Answer 5

~20-30% patients unable to work.

Question 6

What is ‘pannus’ in the context of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 6

Abnormal fibrovascular tissue.

Question 7

What are the two main treatment goals for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 7

• Control pain/symptoms
• Treat disease progression.

Question 8

What medications are commonly used to control pain and symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 8

• Paracetamol
• NSAIDs.

Question 9

What types of drugs are used to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 9

• NSAIDs
• COX-2 inhibitors
• Glucocorticoids.

Question 10

What are DMARDs in the context of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 10

Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs.

Question 11

Distinguish between xenobiotic and biological DMARDs.

Answer 11

• Xenobiotic DMARDs: synthetic drugs
• Biological DMARDs: derived from biological sources.

Question 12

Name a common NSAID used for rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 12

• Ibuprofen.

Question 13

What is the mechanism of action of glucocorticoids?

Answer 13

Powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Question 14

True or False: Glucocorticoids alter disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis.

Answer 14

False.

Question 15

What is the role of glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?

Answer 15

Bridge therapy to control symptoms until DMARDs are effective.

Question 16

What is the primary action of COX-2 inhibitors?

Answer 16

Reduce inflammation with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Question 17

What is a notable side effect of COX-2 inhibitors?

Answer 17

Increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Question 18

What is the common first choice DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 18

Methotrexate.

Question 19

What is the mechanism of action of methotrexate?

Answer 19

Folate antagonist targeting dividing cells.

Question 20

List common side effects of methotrexate.

Answer 20

• Mucosal ulceration
• Hepatic toxicity
• Renal toxicity
• Skin reactions
• Nausea.

Question 21

What is the active component of sulfasalazine that helps reduce inflammation?

Answer 21

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA).

Question 22

What role do biological agents play in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?

Answer 22

Target specific signaling pathways between immune cells.

Question 23

What is the target of rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 23

CD20 on B cells.

Question 24

What happens when TNF inhibitors fail in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?

Answer 24

Consider switching to rituximab or other biological agents.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Glucocorticoids are commonly used for short-term control of _______ and acute symptoms of RA.

Answer 25

flare-ups.

Question 26

What is the purpose of tapering glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?

Answer 26

To reduce potential side effects.

Question 27

What is the role of NSAIDs during DMARD therapy?

Answer 27

To provide symptomatic relief until DMARDs take effect.