rheumatoid arthritis. what is it? rheumatoid arthritis (ra) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory...
TRANSCRIPT
Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is it?
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease
• Cause is often unknown• Usually affects synovial tissue of
diarthrodial joints• Systemic inflammation causes structural
damage
Who is the most at risk?
• Women are 2-3 times more likely to be affected then men
• Most commonly between the ages of 20-40 years old
• Women who take oral contraceptives are less likely to acquire RA
Risk factors
• Although the exact mechanism is unknown
• Commonly believed risk factors include– Genetics– Environmental factors – Hormones
Signs and Symptoms
• Symptoms begin gradually– Weeks to months
• Morning stiffness over 45 minutes– Duration of stiffness increases as the disease
progresses
• May present as diffuse, bilateral joint pain and tenderness to palpation
Signs and Symptoms
• The acronym “SERIOUS” can help identify RA– Swelling in one or more joints– Early morning stiffness– Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint– Inability to move a joint normally– Obvious redness and warmth in a joint– Unexplained weight loss, fever, or weakness
combined with joint pain– Symptoms last more than 2 weeks
Functional deficits
• Joint pain limits ability to:– Walk– C limb stairs– Open doors– ADLs
Radiographic imaging
• Joint erosion visible in 70-90% of individuals.
• Radiographic changes are often found on the posteroanterior aspect of the hands and wrist
• Bony decalcification in involved joints
Joints affected
• Cervical spine• Shoulder• Elbows• Hands– MTP and MCP joints especially
• Hips• Knees• Ankles
Extra-articular features
• Rhematoid nodules • Arteritis• Neuropathy • Scleritis• Pericarditis• Lymphadenopathy• Splenomegaly
What to do next?
• If the patient presents with these signs and symptoms and has not been diagnosed by a physician, a referral is warranted
• Serious health related problems can develop
• Aggressive medications and treatment will improve outcome