Test 5 - Rheumatoid Arthritis

Front 1

What are Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Back 1

Synovial Inflammation

Joint damage

Front 2

What are Laboratory Findings of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Back 2

1. Rheumatoid Factor (RF)- autoantibodies against the Fc portion of IgG (ex. +1:64)

2. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) - autoantibodies against nuclear proteins

3. Antiperinuclear antibodies

4. ESR - elevated

5. CRP - elevated

6. Hematologic Tests

Front 3

Criteria Required for Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Back 3

Patients must have at least 4:

1. Morning stiffness (>6 weeks)
2. Arthritis of 3 or more joints (>6 weeks)
3. Arthritis affecting the wrist, metacarpophalangeal joints, or interphalangeal joints (>6 weeks)
4. Symmetrical distribution -same on boths sides (>6 weeks)
5. Rheumatoid nodules - contain monocytes & macrophages occur subcutaneously over bone in pressure point areas & tissues/organs
6. Positive serum rheumatoid factor
7. Radiographic changes of hands or wrists
-sublaxation vs. ulnar deviation
-synovial swelling

Front 4

Guidelines for the Managment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Step 1

Back 4

Establish Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Early

Document Baseline Disease Activity and Damage

Estimate Prognosis

Front 5

Guidelines for the Managment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Step 2

Back 5

Initiate Therapy
-Patient Education
-Start DMARD Within 3 Months
-Consider NSAID
-Consider Local or Low-Dose Systemic Steroids
-Nonpharmacologic: Rest; Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy