PH3113 - Pain and Analgesia 10

Question 1

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 1

Inflammation in the synovium
- joint pain due to
- nerve endings irritated by inflammatory markers
- capsule stretched by swelling in the joint

Autoimmune disease
- body’s natural defence system attacks the joint
- runs in some families
- high risk individuals with gene association
- HLA-DRB1
- plays critical role in the immune system
- MHC class II gene
More common in people who
- smoke
- eat a lot of red meat
- drink a lot of coffee
Less common in people who
- have a high vitamin C intake

Question 2

How prevalent is rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 2

Affects 0.5 - 1% of world population
Affects 1% of UK population
More common in women
Can occur at any age
- average 30 - 60 years
Reduces life expectancy

Question 3

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 3

Joints
- joint pain and swelling
- stiffness

Systemic
- tiredness (fatigue), depression, irritability
- anaemia
- flu-like symptoms
- feeling generally ill
- feeling hot and sweating