MSK Rheumatology Flashcards
(143 cards)
what is rheumatoid arthritis
mainstay of treatment
autoimmune condition that often affects the small joints (hands and feet) but can extend elsewhere and into other systems including cardiorespiratory
lifelong immunosuppression and sometimes surgery
what are the main deformations seen in rheumatoid arthritis
Z-thumb
Ulnar deviations
Boutonnaires
Swan neck finger deformities
how are T cells affected in autoimmunity
Regulatory T cells activity reduces
pathogenic T effector cells are upregulated
any part of the immune pathway dysregulated can cause autoimmunity
basics of immune response
dendritic cell presents antigens
T-helper cells (CD4+, MHC Class 2) release inflammatory interleukins and interferon and also activate humoral response (antibody mediated)
T-killer cells (CD8+, MHC Class 1) can also play a role
These processes all cause inflammation and tissue damage
T regulatory cells dampen the inflammation
differentiating between inflammatory and non inflammatory joint conditions
inflammatory such as RA tend to have morning stiffness that improves with activity
joint swelling is more indicative of inflammation with the exception of Nodal osteoarthritis and knee swelling which can be caused by trauma
non inflammatory such as OA tends to be pain more than stiffness and is exacerbated by activity
pattern/symmetry in RA
tends to be symmetrical and affects groups of joints e.g. all of the metacarpophalangeal joints
antibody tests useful in suspected connective tissue disorder
ANA
anti-DsDNA
antibody tests useful in suspected small/medium vessel vasculitis
ANCA
general management of inflammation in rheumatology
analgesia
anti-inflammatories
immunosuppression (steroids and biologics) - steroids are short term
Disease modifying drugs can also be used later (DMARDs)
protective treatment with steroids
in rheumatology always give bone protection with steroids from the start - vitamin D, calcium and bisphosphonates
gastroprotection also needed
names of DMARDs
azathioprine
methotrexate
hydroxychloriquine
sulfasalazine
lefunomide
azathioprine
inhibits DNA replication stopping proliferating cells
test for TPMT deficiency before as can cause toxicity
co-prescribing with allopurinol can cause toxicity
main adverse effect; bone marrow suppression –> pancytopenia and immunosuppression
methotrexate
dihydrofolate antagonist that targets proliferating cells
usually given once weekly and folic acid given on other days
folinic acid used as rescue therapy if OD
adverse effects; mouth ulcers, deranged LFTs, pneumonitis and bone marrow suppression
hydroxychloriquine adverse effects
photo sensitivity, retinal toxicity, haemolytic anaemia and bone marrow suppression
sulfasalazine adverse effects
haemolytic anaemia, azoospermia (avoid in young men), abnormal LFTs, bone marrow suppression
leflunomide adverse effects
alopecia, hypertension, pneumonitis, peripheral neuropathy, hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression
monoclonal antibodies in rheumatology
self injected or administered as infusions that can last for many weeks at a time
alternative to daily immunosuppressive medication but both are sometimes needed
only managed by specialists and need extensive screening before including blood tests, infection screens and ruling out latent TB
what is the common target of many monoclonal antibody medications
Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) - widespread immune mediator and a central role in inflammation
what do systemic symptoms e.g. weight loss, night sweats, reduced appetite suggest in a presentation of arthritis
more likely to be CTD/vaculitis/malignancy
symptoms to ask about to determine seronegative forms of arthritis
GI symptoms - IBD associated?
eye symptoms - iritis
psoriasis symptoms
what syndrome is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Sjrogen’s syndrome - ask about symptoms of dry eyes, dry mouth
what does boggy swelling indicate
suggests synovitis which occurs in inflammatory arthritis
in OA swelling is bony
what is the typical joint pattern in rheumatoid arthritis
inflammatory small joint polyarthritis affecting the hands, feet and wrists in a symmetrical distribution
in the hands tends to affect the metacarpophalangeal (MCP ) and proximal interphalangeal joints whereas in OA the distal interphalangeal joints are more likely to be affected
swan neck deformity (RA)
hyperextension of the PIPJ and flexion of the DIPJ