Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Rheumatoid Arthritis Deck (10)
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1
Q

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

A

Chronic inflammation of joints that can potentially cause deformity + systemic symptoms

2
Q

What sex and age range does rheumatoid arthritis tend to affect?

A

Females 3:1 males

30-50 yrs old

3
Q

What is the basic pathology behind rheumatoid arthritis?

A

Synovium becomes inflamed and invasive; inflammatory mediators eats away into articular cartilage and bone

4
Q

List classic symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis

A
Joint pain/swelling
Stiffness in the morning
Systemic features
Tenderness
Reduced movement
Deformities
5
Q

Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects less joints than osteoarthritis. True/False?

A

False

Usually affects more joints

6
Q

List investigations for rheumatoid arthritis

A

Anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor
Inflammatory markers
USS

7
Q

List some poor prognostic indicators for rheumatoid arthritis

A
Young age
Male
Many active joints
High CRP
Early erosions
Extraarticular features
8
Q

What is the “window of opportunity” of treating rheumatoid arthritis, where treating in this period can prevent irreversible damage to joints?

A

3 months

9
Q

What is the main treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?

A

DMARDS (methotrexate)

10
Q

What 4 other groups of biological agents have been effective for rheumatoid arthritis?

A

Anti-TNF (infliximab)
B cell depletors (ritixumab)
IL-6 inhibitor (tocilizumab)
T cell distruptors (abatacept)