Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
(12 cards)
What HLA allele causes RA?
DR4
What MHC is RA associated to?
MHC II
What occurs to the joints in RA?
Joint changes caused by dysregulated and invasive growth to the synovial cells
What does the joints develop into due to synovial cells?
Pannus - causing joint erosion (overlays and destroys cartilage and bone)
What could develop due to joint erosion?
Granulomatous rheumatoid nodules
What is surrounding the joint space
Synovial membranes
What invades the joint space?
T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, plasma cells and secondary follicles w/ germinal centres
What are Rheumatoid factors?
Autoantibodies to the IgG Fc region
What is IgG RA factors capable of?
Self association
What are the symptoms of RA?
- Pain
- Flare ups
- Fatigue
- Low fever
- Inflammation
What are treatments for RA?
DMARDs (Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)
Biologics - antibodies that target key cytokines
