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Ans : Rheumatoid arthritis means a chronic inflammatory joint disorder. A symmetrical, destructive and deforming polyarthritis affecting small and large
joints with associated systemic disturbances.
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Q.2) Whom does it affect the most?
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Ans: It is most common among
females and affects the age group between 30 to 50
years of age.
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Q.3) How does Rheumatoid Arthritis progress? |
Ans:
An autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that attack the synovial membrane and, in some cases, other body tissues.
There is inflammation of the synovial membrane, which encloses each joint. As a result the affected joints become stiff and swollen.
Gradually the ends of both the bones and the cartilage that covers them
are damaged. The tendons and ligaments, which give the joints support,
become worn-out and slack thereby deformity of the joints occurs.
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Q.4) What are the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis? |
Ans: Causes are obscure usually genetic
predisposition of individuals with HLA class II haplotypes.
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Q.5)What are the symptoms and signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis? |
Ans: The signs and symptoms are
- Stiff, painful, and symmetrical swelling of a number of joints.
- Early morning stiffness.
- Typically small joints of the fingers and toes are first to get affected.
- Ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists also get affected as the disease progresses.
- Swelling of the proximal, but not the distal, interphalengeal joints gives the fingers a "spindled"
appearance
- Broadening of the forefoot.
- Fever
- Painless, small bumps (nodules) on areas of pressure such as the elbows.
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Q.6) What are the investigations? |
Ans:
The tests conducted are
- Blood tests
Rheumatoid factor [RA]
ESR
Anti nuclear antibodies [ANA]
Hypergammaglobinemia
- Joint [synovial] Fluid Analysis
- X-rays especially of the hands.
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Q.7) What are the treatment measures? |
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Ans: Common Drugs generally used are
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Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
- Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Steroids, may be used
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Surgery
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For advanced disease
- Synovectomy
- Arthroplasty
- Joint fusion
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Physical Therapy
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Heat
Splinting
Exercises
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Complication
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Osteoporosis in the bones around the affected joints.
- In very severe cases, osteoporosis of the whole skeleton.
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Q.8) What is the prognosis? |
Ans: Prognosis is
good with regular medical treatment. Many people are able to lead a normal life. Lifelong drug treatment may be needed. Only
10% patients may become severely disabled.
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