Rheumatology Flashcards
(123 cards)
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis ??
Chr., systemic autoimmune disorder characterised by Inflammatory SYNOVITIS => joint damage along with extra-articular manisfestations
- FEMALE predominance
- 30 to 50 yrs old
Pathophysiology of RA ??
- Autoimmune: immune system targets SYNOVIUM => Chr. inflam.
- Key Cytokines: TNF, IL-1, IL-6
- Pannus formation: invades Cartilage, bone => Joint destruction
- Genetics: a/w HLA- DR4, DR1
C/F of RA
RA is a Clinical Dx. supported by lab. tests & Imaging
Joint c/f + Systemic c/f + Extra-articular manifestations
- SYMMETRICAL Polyarthritis involving Small joints of hand (MCP, PIP, MTP)
- Morning stiffness > 30 min
- Tenderness, swelling & reduced range of movt.
- Deformities
What is RA Classification Criteria ?? (Very imp. for exam)
2010 ACR/EULAR Criteria for RA [score >= 6/ 10 confirms RA]
- Joint involvement (0- 5): Small joint scores»Large joint scores
- Serology (0- 3): RF & ACPA
- Acute phase reactants (0- 1): ESR or CRP (indicate disease activity)
- Symptom duration (0- 1): <6 wks or >= 6 wks
X-ray features of RA ??
Early: Periosteal Osteopenia, Joint space narrowing
Late: Erosion & Subluxations
What is the cornerstone of RA Rx. ??
- METHOTREXATE
- Severe/ Rapid progression: MTX + Biologic DMARD
- Regular assessment every 1 to 3 months during dose adjustments
How is RA managed in Pregnancy ??
- Safe drugs: Sulfasalazine, HCQ, Low-dose Corticosteroids
- Avoid: MTX (stop 6 months before conception), Leflunomide (requires washout protocol)
- Flares are common POST-PARTUM
What are the indicators of poor prognosis of RA ??
- High RF or ACPA titres.
- Early erosions on imaging.
- Extra-articular manifestations.
What is Felty’s syndrome ??
RA + Splenomegaly + Neutropenia
Rx. strategy of RA ??
Symptom relief: Naproxen, Ibuprofen
Acute Flares/ Bridging Therapy: PREDNOSOLONE
Conventional DMARDs:
- 1st line: MTX + 5mg Folic acid weekly
- Other DMARDs: Sulfasazine, HCQ, Leflunomide
Biologic DMARDs (Target Therapy
- Indication: Active disease despite DMARDs Monotherapy/ combination therapy
What are the Biological DMARDs (Targeted Therapy) used in the treatment of RA ??
TNF inhibitors: Etanercept, Infliximab, Adalimumab
- Risk: TB Reactivation (screen before use), DEMYELINATION
IL-6 inhibitors: Tocilizumab
B-cell depleters: RITUXIMAB (used after TNF failure)
JAK inhibitors: Baricitinib, Tofacitinib
Hallmark features of Biologic DMARDs therapy in RA ??
TNF inhibitors:
- screen for TB before starting
- Demyelination (specially with ETANERCEPT) can occur
Rituximab is used ONLY after TNF failure
Common complications of RA ??
Pulm. Fibrosis, pleural effusion
KCS
Osteoporosis, depression, infections
What should be monitored in a pt. with RA on HCQ ??
Regular EYE examinations
- Bull’s eye RETINOPATHY
- Corneal deposits
Ix. of Choice:- Colour Retinal Photography & Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of MACULA
Which axial skeleton pathology is seen in RA ??
Cervical Spine Instability (due to Atlanto-axial subluxation)
What is Psoriatic Arthropathy ??
INFLAMMATORY Arthritis a/w psoriasis & is Seronegative
- Poor prognosis with Cutaneous Psoriasis & often PRECEDES skin lesions
- Males & females are equally affected
Hallmark features of Psoriatic Arthropathy ??
- Symmetrical Polyarthritis (similar to RA) - 30 to 40% cases
- Asymmetrical Oligoarthritis (typically- Hands & Feet) - 20 to 30%
- Sacroiliitis
- DIP joint disease
- Arthritis Mutilans (Telescoping fingers)
- Nail changes: Pitting, Onycholysis
- Periarticular disease (Enthesitis, Tenosynovitis, Dactylitis)
X- ray features of Psoriatic Arthritis ??
Erosive change + New bone formation
- Periostitis
- ‘Pencil-in-cup’ appearance
Rx. of Psoriatic Arthropathy ??
Rx. similar to that of RA; managed by Rheumatologist
- Mild peripheral arthritis/ Mild axial disease: NSAIDs
- Use of monoclonal antibodies such as USTEKINUMAB (targets IL-12 & 23) & SECUKINUMAB (targets IL-17)
has better prognosis than RA
Hallmark features of Ank. Spon. ??
HLA-B27 associated Spondylo-arthropathy
- 3x MC in Males; 20 to 30 yrs
- Low back pain + Stiffness (Insidious onset)
- PAIN at night which improves on getting up
- STIFFNESS worse in morning & improves with exercise
O/E features of Ank. Spon. ??
Reduced LATERAL Flexion
Reduced FORWARD Flexion -
- Schober’s test: a line is drawn 10cm above & 5cm below [the line joining Venus dimples] => the distance b/w the 2 points should increase by > 5cm on forward flexion
Cauda equina synd. can occur
What is Axial Spondyloarthritis ??
Clinically Heterogenous, Chr. inflammatory rheumatologic condition that may cause musculoskeletal & extra-musculoskeletal manifestations
What are the A’s of Ank. Spon. ??
Apical Fibrosis
AV Block
Aortic Regurgitation
Amyloidosis
Anterior Uveitis
Achilles tendonitis
Features of Axial Spondyloarthritis ??
Radiologic Axial SA
- signs of Sacroiliitis & str. changes on x-ray (aka Ank. Spon.)
Non- radiological Axial SA
- No x-ray changes but possible Sacroiliitis on MRI
Extra-musculoskeletal manifestations
- Acute anterior uveitis
- IBD
- &/or Psoriasis