Rheumatoid arthritis Tena Trbojević Mentor: A. Žmegač Horvat

Rheumatoid arthritis

Tena Trbojević Mentor: A. Žmegač Horvat


chronic diesease

inflammatory disease (inflammation of joint

lining)

autoimmune disease

(immune reaction against joint tissues - synovial membrane)


causes pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of function in the joints

generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern

may also attack tissue in the skin, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels


small joints of hands and feet affected first, larger joints later


begins during the most productive years (30 – 60)

occurs much more frequently in women than in men (w:m=3:1)


specific agent or agents are not yet known

infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, may trigger RA in people with an inherited tendency to develop the disease


synovitisfibrous ankylosisbony ankylosisosteoporosis


Rheumatoid arthritis - symptoms:

Around the jointswarmthrednessswelling painlimitations in joint motion

General sickness tiredness fever


can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages

Patient history - questions about the intensity of pain symptoms - frequency of symptoms - what makes the pain better or worse

RTG, MRI, arthrography, arthroscopy

Blood test (RF, CRP, SE) RF→ Waaler- Rose test 1:32=normal 1:64≤ pathological


Treatments can:

relieve pain

reduce swelling

slow down or help prevent joint damage

increase ability to function

improve sense of well-being

Rheumatoid arthritis – treatment options:

exercisemedicationstress reduction

DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs): methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, cyclosporine

corticosteroids : cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone

in some cases - surgery (joint replacement and tendon reconstruction - two types of surgery available to patients with severe joint damage )


research efforts: focused on developing drugs that can reduce inflammation and slow or stop the disease with few side effects; investigators trying to identify the infectious agents and understand how they work → new therapies

scientists are also examining why rheumatoid arthritis often improves during pregnancy


http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

http://video.about.com/arthritis/Chronic-Rheumatism-Hand.htm

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/videolist.html#rheumatoidarthritis

References:

http://nihseniorhealth.gov/videolist.html#rheumatoidarthritis

http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

http://video.about.com/arthritis/Chronic-Rheumatism-Hand.htm

Documents

Rheumatoid arthritis Tena Trbojević Mentor: A. Žmegač Horvat