Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards

Flashcards about Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A chronic, systemic inflammatory disease affecting synovial joints.

Commonly Affected Joints in RA

Small joints of the hands and feet, especially PIP, MCP, wrists, MTP, knees, ankles, cervical spine.

RA Joint Pain (Symmetrical/Asymmetrical)

Symmetrical.

Systemic Symptoms of RA

Fatigue and low-grade fever.

Swan Neck Deformity explain

Hyperextension of the PIP joint and flexion of the DIP joint.

Boutonnière’s Deformity def

Flexion of the PIP joint and hyperextension of the DIP joint.

Other Common Deformities in RA

Z thumb deformity, ulnar deviation, piano key wrist deformity.

Extra-Articular Features of RA

Dry eyes, pericarditis, pulmonary fibrosis, scleritis, rash

Type of Anemia Common in RA

Normochromic, normocytic anaemia.

Inflammatory Markers Raised in RA

ESR and CRP.

Antibody More Specific for RA (RF or Anti-CCP)

Anti-CCP.

What Uric Acid or Synovial Fluid Analysis Helps Exclude

Polyarticular gout.

What X-Ray Might Show in RA

Joint erosions, used to differentiate from OA.

First-Line Drugs in RA Management

DMARDs: methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine.

Anti-TNF Biologic Agents Used in RA

Adalimumab and infliximab.

When Corticosteroids are Used in RA

For short-term use during flares.

Role of NSAIDs in RA

Pain relief, used cautiously due to side effects.