Pharmacological Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Anesthetics

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the pharmacological management of RA and OA, the mechanisms and side effects of various drug classes, and the basics of local and general anesthetics as they relate to rehabilitation professionals.

Rheumatoid artrithis

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune systemic disease that cause joint inflammation, pain, fatigue, and reduced physical function.

DMARDs

Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs that suppress abnormal immune activity by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, immune cell proliferation, and signaling pathways.

NSAIDs Mechanism of Action

Inhibit cyclooxygenase ($COX-1$ and $COX-2$) enzymes, blocking the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins.

Corticosteroids Mechanism of Action

Modifying gene expression via glucocorticoid receptors, leading to reduced inflammatory cell activity and decreased production of inflammatory mediators.

Analgesics Mechanism of Action

Inhibiting prostaglandin production or altering pain signal transmission in the nervous system to reduce pain perception.

Osteoarthritis

A chronic joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and changes in the whole joint leading to pain and reduced function.

Capsaicin

A topical agent that binds to heat-sensitive receptors ($TRPV1$), initially stimulating neurons, then causing desensitization and depletion of neurotransmitters.

Hyaluronic acid

A slow acting drug that improves joint lubrication and binds to receptors (e.g., $CD44$) to reduce inflammation and support cartilage function.

Local Anesthetics

Drugs or agents that produce a partial or complete loss of sensation in a specific area of the body by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells.

General Anesthetics Mechanism of Action

Depressing the central nervous system through effects on brain receptors and ion channels, reducing neuronal activity and causing loss of consciousness, sensation, and reflexes.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver toxicity, listed as a side effect for DMARDs and excessive acetaminophen use.

Malignant hyperthermia

A rare but serious side effect associated with General Anesthetics.

Bone marrow suppression

A potential side effect associated with the use of DMARDs.

Respiratory depression

A side effect associated with opioid analgesics and general anesthetics.

Intra-articular corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory agents injected into the joint that affect multiple cellular pathways to reduce local inflammation.

TRPV1

Heat-sensitive receptors that Topical agent Capsaicin binds to for pain relief.

CD44

A specific receptor that Hyaluronic acid binds to in order to reduce inflammation and support cartilage function.