Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview and Management

Study Notes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane surrounding the joints, causing inflammation and subsequent joint damage. Left untreated, RA can lead to joint deformities, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life.

Key Characteristics

Systemic Autoimmune Disease: RA affects the entire body, not just specific joints.
Chronic Disorder: It does not have a cure and requires lifelong management.
Gender Prevalence: Women are more likely to be affected than men.

Diagnosis and Differentiators

The diagnostic criteria for RA include the presence of several specific symptoms such as morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, synovitis, rheumatoid nodules, positive test results for rheumatoid factor, and anti-citrullinated protein antibody status. Additionally, RA differs from osteoarthritis (OA) in that it tends to affect multiple joints, create symmetry in affected joints, and cause more significant morning stiffness.

Progression and Complications

RA is known for its fluctuations between periods of active disease and relative remission. However, the long-term consequences of the disease can result in severe complications, including damage to bones and joints leading to deformity, cardiovascular issues, and lung involvement.

Treatment Approach

Managing RA often requires a multifaceted approach involving medication, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies. Drugs commonly used to treat RA include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and biologic agents (TNF inhibitors). Regular checkups with healthcare professionals and monitoring for side effects are crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Description

Explore the key characteristics, diagnosis criteria, disease progression, complications, and treatment approaches for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Learn about this chronic autoimmune disorder's impact on joints, symptoms, and overall quality of life.