Rheumatology

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included within the scope of rheumatology?

  • Musculoskeletal diseases
  • Systemic autoimmune conditions
  • Infectious diseases (correct)
  • Conditions affecting internal organs

What is a key characteristic of autoimmune conditions, as they relate to rheumatology?

  • The body becomes resistant to external pathogens.
  • There is an overproduction of red blood cells.
  • The immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body. (correct)
  • The immune system is weakened, leading to frequent infections.

Which activity is LEAST likely to be performed by a rheumatologist?

  • Performing surgical interventions. (correct)
  • Measuring autoantibodies.
  • Prescribing immunomodulatory drugs.
  • Conducting research.

Which of the following is classified as a degenerative condition typically seen by rheumatologists?

<p>Osteoarthritis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a typical aim of immunomodulatory drugs used by rheumatologists?

<p>To target specific parts of the immune system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with joint pain, fatigue, and a butterfly-shaped rash on their face. Which condition is MOST likely?

<p>Lupus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of rheumatology, what does the term 'oral manifestation' refer to?

<p>Conditions or symptoms affecting the mouth that are related to systemic diseases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is MOST associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)?

<p>Bisphosphonates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a patient about to start bisphosphonate treatment, what dental advice is most appropriate?

<p>Complete necessary dental work prior to starting the medication. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

<p>Inflammation of cranial arteries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a concerning symptom in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) that requires immediate attention?

<p>Visual symptoms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with dry mouth, dry eyes, and joint pain. Which condition is MOST likely?

<p>Sjogren's syndrome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying process in Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a patient mentions experiencing new or worsening visual disturbances alongside symptoms potentially indicative of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), what immediate action should be taken?

<p>Refer the patient to A&amp;E (Accident and Emergency) for same-day assessment by ophthalmology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating the pathogenesis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). They are looking for factors that might trigger the inflammatory cascade. Which of the following, if definitively proven, would be the LEAST expected or MOST surprising discovery, given current understanding of GCA?

<p>Demonstration that GCA is directly caused by chronic, low-level exposure to a previously uncharacterized environmental toxin that accumulates preferentially within the elastic lamina of cranial arteries, directly inducing cellular necrosis and subsequent inflammation in <em>all</em> individuals regardless of genetic background. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary target of immunomodulatory drugs used in rheumatology?

<p>Specific components of the immune system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a degenerative condition often managed in rheumatology?

<p>Osteoarthritis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a dentist's role significant in managing patients with rheumatological conditions?

<p>Oral manifestations can be early signs, or a complication from the treatment of a rheumatological condition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient undergoing treatment for osteoporosis reports a non-healing extraction socket. Which medication class is MOST concerning regarding osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)?

<p>Bisphosphonates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to commencing bisphosphonate treatment, what is the MOST crucial dental recommendation?

<p>Complete all necessary invasive dental procedures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is MOST indicative of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

<p>Inflammation of large vessels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) reports sudden vision changes. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

<p>Refer immediately to an ophthalmologist. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the immunological basis of Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>The immune system attacks moisture-producing glands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which oral condition is MOST suggestive of Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Xerostomia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which oral finding would be LEAST likely to be associated with Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Excessive salivation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of rheumatology, what does 'systemic' refer to?

<p>Conditions affecting multiple organ systems throughout the body. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a symptom of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

<p>Tinnitus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of genetic factors in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

<p>They likely contribute to disease susceptibility. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Very difficult: A researcher hypothesizes that a novel virus is a primary trigger for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Which of the following findings would provide the WEAKEST evidence against this hypothesis?

<p>The virus is only detectable during the initial acute phase of GCA. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Insanely difficult: A clinical trial is evaluating a new drug targeting IL-6 for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Initial results show significant improvement in systemic inflammation markers (CRP, ESR) but no reduction in the incidence of visual loss compared to the standard treatment (high-dose corticosteroids). What is the MOST likely explanation for this discrepancy?

<p>The drug is ineffective in suppressing inflammation within cranial arteries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following extra-glandular features is commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Peripheral neuropathy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant oral health concern directly linked to xerostomia?

<p>Increased risk of dental caries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions?

<p>Inhibits DNA production and acts as an antimetabolite and immunosuppressant (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the management of xerostomia, which of the following interventions directly stimulates salivary flow?

<p>Prescribing Pilocarpine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What oral manifestation is most characteristic of Behcet's disease?

<p>Recurrent aphthous ulcers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the incidence of periodontal disease increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

<p>Xerostomia and functional limitations affecting oral hygiene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary genetic factor associated with Behcet's disease?

<p>HLA-B51 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is MOST indicative of Systemic Sclerosis, impacting oral health?

<p>Perioral skin fibrosis leading to limited mouth opening (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Insanely difficult: A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple non-healing oral ulcers. They are on weekly methotrexate and folic acid supplementation. Despite dose adjustments and topical treatments, the ulcers persist. Which of the following interventions is the LEAST likely to provide significant relief, considering potential underlying mechanisms and drug interactions?

<p>Prescribing a broad-spectrum antibiotic for potential secondary bacterial infection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Very difficult: A researcher is investigating the role of oral microbiota in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They find that Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) induces citrullination in vitro, but observe that only a small subset of RA patients show elevated levels of antibodies against citrullinated Pg proteins and have a specific genetic variant predisposing them to increased intestinal permeability. What is the MOST plausible conclusion based on these findings?

<p>Pg may contribute to RA pathogenesis in a subset of genetically susceptible individuals with increased intestinal permeability, allowing for systemic dissemination of modified proteins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which extra-glandular manifestation is commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Joint pain and arthritis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant negative impact of xerostomia on a patient's well-being?

<p>Negative impact on quality of life (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended management strategy for xerostomia?

<p>Smoking cessation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary oral health challenge associated with periodontal disease in patients with rheumatological conditions?

<p>Challenges for oral hygiene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), what role do oral microbiota, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, play?

<p>Promotion of auto-antibody development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature is most characteristic of oral ulcers associated with Behcet's disease?

<p>Painful, round, well-defined borders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common recommendation regarding diet for patients with Behcet's disease experiencing oral ulcers?

<p>Avoid spicy and irritating foods (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a known autoimmune condition presents with multiple shallow oral ulcers after being advised to increase their methotrexate dosage. What is the MOST likely cause of these ulcers?

<p>Methotrexate-induced oral mucositis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What oral manifestation might be expected in a patient with systemic sclerosis that could impact their oral hygiene practices?

<p>Limited mouth opening (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Insanely difficult: A patient with known systemic sclerosis exhibits microstomia, telangiectasia, and xerostomia. Despite diligent oral hygiene, they develop rampant caries and severe periodontitis. Which intervention addresses the MOST underlying factors contributing to this patient's oral health decline?

<p>Custom fluoride trays, salivary substitutes, and physiotherapy for mouth opening (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rheumatology primarily involves the study and treatment of what?

<p>Musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that defines autoimmune conditions within the scope of rheumatology?

<p>The immune system targets and attacks healthy tissues in the body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these diagnostic methods is frequently utilized by rheumatologists to identify specific conditions?

<p>Analysis of autoantibodies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of immunomodulatory drugs in rheumatology?

<p>Modulating the immune system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies a degenerative condition often addressed within the field of rheumatology?

<p>Osteoarthritis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a dentist contribute to the care of a patient with a rheumatological condition?

<p>By recognising oral manifestations of disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential oral complication linked to the use of bisphosphonates?

<p>Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dental recommendation is most appropriate before commencing bisphosphonate therapy?

<p>Complete all necessary dental work (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

<p>Inflammation of cranial arteries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports jaw pain while chewing; what rheumatological condition might this suggest?

<p>Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary immunological feature of Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What oral health problem is most closely associated with Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Xerostomia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which extra-glandular manifestation can occur in Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Joint pain and arthritis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does xerostomia impact the prevalence of dental caries?

<p>It increases the risk of caries due to reduced salivary flow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a management strategy for patients experiencing xerostomia?

<p>Using saliva substitutes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which oral feature is most characteristic of Behcet's disease?

<p>Recurrent oral ulcers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might systemic sclerosis affect oral hygiene practices?

<p>Limited mouth opening (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of GCA, why is prompt ophthalmological assessment critical for the diagnosis of visual disturbances?

<p>To evaluate risk of permanent sight loss (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is exploring the genetic and environmental factors of GCA. If they discover a common bacterial species present in a high percentage of GCA patients, yet the same species triggers a protective immune response, what can you say about the relationship of the bacteria to the disease?

<p>This would require further scrutiny to decipher the specific function or role of the bacteria in the pathogenesis of GCA. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with long-term rheumatoid arthritis and reports persistent dry mouth. They're currently being treated with methotrexate, and their dentist is exploring options to enhance their oral health. Apart from artificial saliva and frequent water intake, which additional measure is the MOST important to apply in order to deal with the negative effects of dry mouth caused by Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Recommending sugar-free chewing gum to encourage the flow of saliva. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of rheumatology?

<p>Musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of autoimmune conditions within the context of rheumatology?

<p>The body's immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing damage and symptoms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is MOST likely undertaken by a rheumatologist in a hospital or community setting?

<p>Administering immunomodulatory drugs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a metabolic bone disease often managed in rheumatology?

<p>Osteoporosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a dentist suspect a rheumatological issue based on an oral examination?

<p>Some rheumatological diseases have oral manifestations and treatment complications (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential oral health complication directly related to the use of bisphosphonates?

<p>Osteonecrosis of the jaw (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is completing dental work recommended prior to starting bisphosphonate treatment?

<p>To minimize the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic feature of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

<p>Inflammation of cranial arteries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom associated with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) that a dentist might identify during a patient consultation?

<p>Jaw pain while chewing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Xerostomia can lead to which of the following oral health problems?

<p>Increased risk of dental caries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common recommendation for managing xerostomia?

<p>Use saliva substitutes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which systemic condition is MOST likely to cause limited mouth opening?

<p>Systemic sclerosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should a dentist consider referring a patient with suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) for immediate assessment?

<p>If the patient mentions new visual disturbances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main exocrine glands primarily affected in Sjogren's syndrome?

<p>Salivary and lacrimal glands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition increases the risk of periodontal disease in a patient with an autoimmune rheumatic condition?

<p>Xerostomia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In managing Behcet's disease, what dietary recommendation is typically given to alleviate oral ulcer discomfort?

<p>Avoid spicy, irritating foods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with long-term rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed weekly methotrexate. What supplement is commonly prescribed to reduce methotrexate's side effects?

<p>Folic acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with systemic sclerosis exhibits microstomia. How could this impact their oral hygiene?

<p>It makes oral hygiene practices more difficult (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Insanely difficult: A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple non-healing oral ulcers. They are on weekly methotrexate and folic acid supplementation, and have tried adjusting the dosage of methotrexate to no avail. The ulcers are not responding to topical steroid treatment. What is the next most likely step to consider?

<p>Order a complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests (LFTs). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is rheumatology?

A broad field that includes musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions.

What does a rheumatologist do?

Diagnosing, imaging, prescribing immunomodulatory drugs, working with other specialists and research.

Examples of Rheumatological Diseases

Includes degenerative, inflammatory, systemic, metabolic diseases, chronic pain, and life threatening complications.

Why a dentist is important in rheumatology?

Diagnosing or identifying early signs of rheumatic diseases and managing treatment complications.

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Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the jaw

Occurs when underlying jaw bone is not covered by gum, leading to bone death.

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Risk Factors of Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ)

Any procedure impacting bone, mucosal trauma, dental infection and cumulative bisphosphonate dose.

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Giant Cell Arteritis

Inflammation of cranial branches of the arteries, often affecting those from the aortic arch.

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Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis

Scalp tenderness, headache, jaw pain while chewing, vision issues, weight loss, fever.

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Management of Sight loss during Giant Cell Arteritis

Sight loss – needs same day assessment by ophthalmology

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Sjogren's Syndrome Definition

Lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates within exocrine glands, mainly salivary and lacrimal.

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Why is the dentist important in rheumatology

Oral manifestations of the disease as treatment complications.

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Prevention of dental issues in rheumatology

The act of completing any dental work prior to starting treatment. Also giving advice on optimizing oral health.

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Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, causing damage and symptoms.

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Degenerative Conditions

Conditions that result in progressive deterioration and loss of function in tissues and joints

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Inflammatory Conditions

Conditions involving immune system activation, leading to inflammation and potential damage to organs and tissues.

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Systemic/Connective Tissue Diseases

Diseases affecting multiple organ systems or connective tissues throughout the body.

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Metabolic Bone Diseases

Conditions related to abnormalities in metabolic processes, often affecting bone density and structure.

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Chronic Pain

A condition characterized by widespread, persistent pain often without an identifiable underlying cause.

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Pre-treatment dental care

Complete dental work before treatment starts to prevent infections and complications.

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Medication-related Osteonecrosis

Caused by the bisphosphonates, denosumab, anti-angiogenic drugs.

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Sjogren's syndrome

A syndrome with extra-glandular features like joint/muscle pain, lymphadenopathy, renal disease, fatigue, and increased lymphoma risk. It can be primary or secondary to other diseases like lupus.

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Xerostomia

Dry mouth, impacting life quality, increasing caries/infections, causing chewing difficulty and hoarseness. It's strongly connected to salivary gland dysfunction, not always linked to Sjogren's.

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Xerostomia Management

Using sugar-free gum, saliva substitutes, stimulating salivary flow with Pilocarpine, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

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Periodontal Disease & Rheumatic Conditions

Increased occurrence in RA, SLE, systemic sclerosis, possibly from xerostomia or functional limitations affecting oral hygiene.

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Behcet's Disease

A systemic vasculitis of unknown cause affecting veins/arteries, leading to recurrent oral/genital ulcers, eye/skin disease, and joint pain. Oral ulcers are aphthous, painful, round, and heal without scarring.

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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

A multisystem autoimmune disease (F:M 10:1, Asian/African predominance) with autoantibodies, rash (butterfly), oral ulcers, joint pain, secondary Sjogren's, and internal organ involvement. Etiology includes infection, drugs, smoking, solvents, silica.

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Methotrexate & Oral Mucositis

Used for RA/lupus, affects DNA, given weekly. Folic acid reduces side effects. Causes dose-dependent oral mucositis/ulcers. Treat by stopping drug, chlorhexidine/difflam mouthwash.

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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disease

Umbrella term: muscular disorders, bone changes, ankylosis, degeneration, functional limits.

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Systemic Sclerosis

Skin thickening, perioral furrowing, microangiopathy (Raynaud's, digital ulceration, telangiectasia) and internal organ involvement (ILD, pulmonary HTN, GI issues).

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Extra-glandular Features

Joint pain and arthritis, muscle pain, enlarged lymph nodes, kidney disease, increased risk of lymphoma and fatigue.

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Oral Hygiene Challenges

RA, SLE, systemic sclerosis can limit mouth opening and make oral hygiene challenging.

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Bechet's disease Prevalence

Increased prevalence along the 'silk road' that connects east to west.

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Systemic Sclerosis Signs

Microangiopathy, cutaneous fibrosis, and lung/GI involvement.

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What are autoimmune conditions?

The body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.

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What are degenerative diseases?

Conditions that cause progressive damage and loss of function to the joints

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What are inflammatory conditions?

Immune response gone rogue.

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What are systemic diseases?

Affect multiple systems

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What are metabolic bone diseases?

Impaired bone metabolism

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What is chronic pain?

Ongoing pain with no cure

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What is Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)?

Occurs when underlying jaw bone is not covered by gum

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What is dental work prior to treatment?

The process of preparing the mouth

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What is Xerostomia?

Oral dryness due to reduced saliva

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What is Systemic Sclerosis?

A rare Multisystem disease

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What is Microangiopathy?

Small blood vessel disease in mouth

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What symptoms does a patient with TMJ have?

Difficulty chewing with pain

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Rheumatological Diagnostics

Includes imaging, biopsy, and autoantibody measurement.

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Key questions for dental patients

Check for cancer, dental issues, and medications.

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Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ)

A condition where underlying jaw bone is exposed.

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Action for visual changes

Refer to ophthalmology immediately for assessment.

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Sjogren's syndrome symptoms

Check for dry mouth and eyes, as well as joint pain.

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Oral ulcers in Behcet's

Occurs in the mouth which presents as painful, round ulcers.

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Significance of oral signs

Oral manifestations can lead to diagnosis.

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Key Features of Systemic Sclerosis

Perioral skin fibrosis, limited mouth opening, xerostomia.

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Action for vision changes

Refer patient for same-day ophthalmology assessment.

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Study Notes

  • The session aims to improve understanding of rheumatology and knowledge of dental manifestations of related diseases.
  • Session aims to improve ability to recognize rheumatological conditions and next steps.

What is Rheumatology?

  • Rheumatology is a broad field including musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions.
  • Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system attacks the body, causing damage and symptoms.
  • Rheumatology can affect any organ, including the mouth, eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs.

What Rheumatologists Do

  • Rheumatologists diagnose and use imaging, biopsy, and measure autoantibodies.
  • They use immunomodulatory drugs targeting parts of the immune system.
  • They work in hospitals or community settings, collaborating with GPs and organ specialists, and conduct research.

Examples of Rheumatological Diseases

  • Rheumatological diseases include degenerative, inflammatory, systemic, connective tissue and metabolic diseases of the bone.
  • Examples include chronic Pain, and patients can become acutely unwell with life threatening complications.
  • Degenerative diseases include conditions like Degenerative and Osteoarthritis
  • Inflammatory diseases include conditions Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Systemic/CTD diseases include Lupus

Why is the dentist important in rheumatology?

  • The dentist is important in rheumatology because oral manifestations and treatment complications occur with the disease.
  • Can be an early presentation of rheumatic disease; sometimes reflects disease activity.
  • Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the Jaw occurs when the underlying jaw bone is not covered by gum.
  • Lack of blood supply exposes the underlying bone, starving it of oxygen, eventually causing its death.
  • Occurs in cancer patients (1 per 100) treated with anti-resorptive/anti-angiogenic drugs.
  • Happens in osteoporotic patients (1 to 10 cases per 10,000) treated with anti-resorptive drugs.
  • Can occur spontaneously or in patients taking bisphosphonates, denosumab, anti-angiogenic drugs.

Risk Factors for ONJ

  • Risk factors for ONJ include any procedures that impacts bone, like tooth extraction or dental/mucosal trauma from ill-fitting dentures.
  • Other risk factors include cumulative dose of bisphosphonate, dental infection/periodontal disease, and can occur spontaneously.

Preventing ONJ

  • Complete any dental work prior to starting treatment for diseases
  • Patient advice on optimising oral health.

Guidelines for General Dental Practice

  • Use for oral health management, the Faculty of General Dental Practice guidelines.
  • Relevant link: https://.fgdp.org.uk/SiD/a1-uk-guidelines-and-standards-dentistry

Giant Cell Arteritis

  • Giant Cell Arteritis involves inflammation of cranial branches of the arteries originating from the aortic arch.
  • Extracranial branches of external carotid arteries often involved.
  • Prevalence is 1 in 400 in people aged over 55 years, with female preponderance.
  • Etiology includes granulomatous vascular inflammation, cause unclear, genetic component, and infection triggers?

Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis

  • It includes scalp tenderness, headache, jaw pain on chewing, tongue pain, and visual symptoms like blurred/double vision.
  • Other symptoms; Weight loss and Fever.

Managing Giant Cell Arteritis

  • Sight loss in GCA is a serious complication, can be temporary/permanent and requires specific inquiry.
  • Visual changes need to be referred to A&E for assessment by ophthalmology on the same day.

Sjogren's Syndrome

  • Sjogren's syndrome described by Swedish ophthalmologist Sjogren in 1933 is Systemic autoimmune disease.
  • Affects up to 4% of the population, with a female preponderance of 9:1.
  • It is a Lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates within exocrine glands (salivary and lacrimal).
  • Results in dry mouth (xerostomia) and eyes (xerophthalmia), found in 1 in 70 with primary and 1 in 35 secondary conditions.

Sjogren's syndrome Features

  • Extra-glandular features can occur with joint and muscle pain, lymphadenopathy, renal disease and fatigue.
  • There is an increased risk of lymphoma.
  • Can be primary or secondary to another disease such as lupus.

Xerostomia

  • Outside of Sjogren's medications, strong association with salivary gland dysfunction.
  • Xerostomia has a negative impact on quality of life and a higher rate of dental caries and mucosal infections.
  • Results in difficulty chewing and hoarseness.

Xerostomia Management

  • (Sugar free) chewing gum and acidic sweets can help with management
  • Using saliva substitutes or stimulating salivary flow with Pilocarpine can help.
  • It helps to stop smoking, avoid alcohol and have good mouth care.

Periodontal Disease

  • Periodontal disease is increased in RA, SLE, systemic sclerosis.
  • May be due to xerostomia but also functional limitations, such as brushing teeth.
  • Challenges for oral hygiene: Limited mouth opening due to TMJ disease, and difficulty tolerating.
  • Increased risk of disease because of oral microbiota, porphryomonas gingivalis (induce citrullination, promote auto-antibody development)

Periodontal Disease Risk Factors

  • Genetic risk factors (60% of risk); Susceptibility genes (for example, HLA-DRB1), epigenetic modifications
  • Non-genetic risk factors (40% of risk); Smoking, microbiota, female, western diet, ethnic factors
  • Risk factors lead to Initiation of autoimmunity, Preclinical RA, Early symptomatic autoimmunity, Early RA, Established RA

Bechet's Disease

  • Bechet's disease; systemic vasculitis of unknown cause.
  • Affects veins and arteries and causes recurrent oral and genital ulcers
  • Can cause eye and skin disease, and joint pain.
  • Oral ulcers are aphthous - painful, round, well defined ulcers, Heal with no scar.
  • Oral ulceration of Bechet's has a risk of adrenal suppression through predinsolone mouthwash treatment.
  • Management is Immunosuppressive agents, avoid spicy irritating foods and viscous lidocaine.
  • Important to know the regional centres are in Liverpool, Birmingham and London.
  • There is an increased prevalence along the silk road connecting East to West.
  • Bechet's disease has an association with HLA-B51

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is Multisystem autoimmune disease
  • F:M - 10:1; Asian & African.
  • Autoantibodies & Clinical features: Rash - butterfly, Oral ulcers, Joint pain, Secondary sjogren's, Internal organ involvement
  • Aetiology - infection, drugs, smoking, solvents, silica

Methotrexate induced oral mucositis

  • Methotrexate is used mainly for rhematoid arthritis but also in other diseases such as lupus.
  • Methotrexate affects DNA production as an antimetabolite and immunosuppresant. Normally given weekly
  • Folic acid supplementation reduces side effects.
  • Oral mucositis and ulcers - dose dependant
  • Treatment involves stopping the drug with subsequent healing of ulcers.
  • Consider chlorhexidine or difflam mouth wash.

Systemic Sclerosis

  • Microangiopathy is a disease of small blood vessels
  • Can be due to rheumatoid polyarthritis (RP), digital ulceration, and telangiectasia.
  • Causes skin thickening, perioral furrowing and cutaneous fibrosis.
  • Causes lungs - ILD, pulmonary HTN, GI - reflux, motility, gastroparesis
  • Oral manifestations includes; perioral skin fibrosis - limited mouth opening and Xerostomia - increased risk of periodontal disease.
  • May cause Telangiectasia - vascular malformations which can affect the oral hygiene, stretching exercises may be beneficial but adherence over long term an issue.

TMJ disease

  • Conditions is an umbrella term - muscular disorders, bone changes, ankylosis, degeneration, functional limitations.
  • Rheumatic diseases frequently experience TMJ symptoms
  • More than half of patients with JIA experience TMJ disease and in RA 19 to 85.7% experience TMJ symptoms
  • Causes Limitation in opening, pain

Take home messages

  • Dental complications are very common in rheumatology.
  • Affects quality of life and ability to maintain oral hygiene.
  • Dentist has an important role in recognising disease and treating complications.
  • Encourage good oral hygiene and reduce risk of infections.
  • Its Important to signposting in early disease, and be aware of sight loss as an important complication in GCA

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