Rheumatoid ArthritisPrepared by: Kelvin Chua

Overview

•What is Arthritis•Rheumatoid Arthritis•Etiology•Symptoms•Rate of Incidence•Risk Factors•Diagnosing RA•Current Treatment

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

What is Arthritis?

•Arthritis – inflammation of a joint•Most common cause of disability•Over 100 conditions related to arthritis•Some common types of arthritis:

▫Osteoarthritis▫Septic Arthritis▫Juvenile Arthritis▫Rheumatoid Arthritis

CDC (2006). http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5540a2.htm

Rheumatoid Arthritis

•Chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease

•Inflammation of the joints and other organs

•Leading to chronic pain, permanent join damage or even deformity

Image from: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp

Etiology

•How the condition attacks the joints▫Malfunction of the immune system

•Still very much idiopathic•Interaction between other factors:

▫Genetic susceptibility▫Environmental trigger

Gregersen, P. K., (2010). Susceptibility genes for rheumatoid arthritis.Image from: http://www.nature.com/nrd/journal/v6/n1/fig_tab/nrd2196_F1.htmlImage from: Google Images

Symptoms

•Joint swelling (small joints, ie. Fingers, wrists)

•Symmetrical•Movement limitation•Pain and loss of strength•Joint stiffness after inactivity•Feeling unwell and fatigue

Image from: http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Arthritis---

Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Osteoarthritis-and-Spinal-Arthritis.aspx.

Image from: http://www.scienceclarified.com/Al-As/Arthritis.htmlImage from: http://kashmirmonitor.org/08102011-ND-poor-sleep-may-worsen-

rheumatoid-arthritis-disability-9609.aspxImage from: Google Images

Rate of Incidence

•Affects 0.5 - 1.0% of adults•2 to 3 times more common in females•RA may begin at any time from childhood

(juvenile arthritis) to later life•General onset between 40 – 60 years of

age

Scott, DL, Wolfe F, Huizinga TW.,(2010). Rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk Factors

•Gender▫Females more likely to develop RA

•Age▫Most commonly between 40 and 60 years

of age•Genetic Heredity/Susceptibility

▫Increased risk if a family member has RA•Smoking

Rindfleisch, J. A., & Muller, D, (2005). Diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis.

How is RA Diagnosed

•Medical history•Physical examination•Laboratory tests

▫Rheumatic factor▫Anti-CCP antibodies▫Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

•Imaging techniques▫X-Ray

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

Current Treatment

•Hot & Cold Tx•Medications

▫NSAIDs▫Corticosteroids▫DMARDs

•Surgery▫Arthroscopy▫Joint replacement

Image from: http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis_pictures_slideshow/article.htmImage from: http://arthritis.about.com/od/rheumatoidarthritis/ss/pictures_photos_6.htm

Exercise As Treatment

•Improve muscle strength & joint mobility•Reduce swelling and pain•Improve mood and quality of life•Choosing the correct exercise

▫Eg. Stretching, swimming, water aerobics

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

Conclusion

•On a whole, cause of RA is still unknown•Important for patients to know how it

affects the body•And understand the treatment options•This eventually will aid patients to live

with the disease