IF6-rheumatoid arthritis treatment

why is treatment given to patients with arthritis 

to provide relief  from their symptoms and prevent further joint and disability damage

what are the main principles for treating RA

• treat early and treat aggressively for long term benefits 

• also treat appropriately ( treat to target - DAS 28 we want to improve their score and meet a specific target ) 

• use triple therapy 

describe what treat to target is 

what are some of the poor  prognostic markers in RA/ things that show somone will have worse disease progression 

what are DMARDS and what are the 2 types 

what are the types of drug groups used for RA treatment ( in order )

list different types of synthetic DMARDS and the common triple therapy 

describe the use of methotrexate and how it works + side effect and when it shouldn’t be used 

• malaise, nausea 

• rise in liver enzymes 

• oral ulcers 

lab monitoring needed: CRP, ESR, FBC, ALBUMIN 

describe the use of hydroxychloroquine 

describe the use of sulphasalazine

where/ what do biological drugs target 

the inflammatory cascade 

list some of the TNF inhibitors ( biological DARMDS )

what are the risks with using TNF

what are the available surgery options for patients who find drugs are working to treat their RA 

• synovectomy

• arthroplasty- when the joint is damaged beyond surgical use, replament of joints 

• spinal stabilisation