Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
1
Q
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- chronic, autoimmune, systemic illness with symetrical peripheral arthritis and other systemic features
- common chronic illness
- associated with joint damage, disability, premature mortality
2
Q
What is the prevalance and incidence of rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- ~ 1% population
- ~ 200 new cases in grampian/annum
3
Q
What is the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- genetics (~ 50-60%)
- smoking
- chronic infection (e.g. periodontal disease)
4
Q
What are the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- F:M = 3:1
- 4th/5th decade
5
Q
What is the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- synovitis
- inflammed joint capsule
- destruction of cartilage
6
Q
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- pain
- stiffness
- immobility
- poor function
- systemic symptoms
7
Q
What are the signs of rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- swelling
- tenderness
- limited movement
- redness
- heat
- weight loss
- fatigue/lassitude
- anaemia
8
Q
What are the investigation for rheumatoid arthritis?
A
- Rheumatoid Factor (IgG, IgM)
- Anti Cyclical Citrullinate Antibodies (ACPA)
- XR
- US
9
Q
How is rheumatoid arthritis assessed?
A
- Disease Activity Score
- DAS < 2.4 = clinical remission
- DAS > 5.1 = eligable for biologic therapy
