Rheumatoid Arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis

an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which there are antibodies against the synovial fluids in the joints. It caused destruction of the joint

early signs of RA

arthritis, mostly symmetrical, effects the PIP and MCP joints mainly, fever, fatigue, weakness

advanced signs of RA

degeneration of joints, osteoporosis, anemia, weight loss, nodules under the skin, pericarditis, respiratory fibrosis, kidney disease

rheumatoid factor

in a blood test in someone with RA there will be antibodies called ________

X-ray

which scan is used to diagnose RA

complications of RA

inflammation and pain, decrease in function,

treatment of RA

antiinflammatories, immunosupressants, analgesics, plasma paresis, acupuncture, decrease stress on joints, removal of synovial tissue that is inflamed, joint replacement

DMARDs

medications that inhibit the function of the immune system. Specifically used in Rheumatic diseases

MTX

drugs that inhibit bone marrow

leflunomide

an immunomodulator that decreases the inflammation in the joint