University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

381

Pages:

1
Author:

Mariam A.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Notes • • A chronic and progressive autoimmune disease (in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints Results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and can ultimately lead to irreversible joint destruction and disability Pathophysiology and causes of RA • • • The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. It is believed that the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis is genetically inherited. There is no single gene or environmental factor which can be considered an independent cause of the disease. Infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and fungi have long been suspected as triggers for the activation of the immune system in susceptible individuals. This misdirected immune system then attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation in the joints and sometimes in various organs of the body, such as the lungs or eyes. The result is an immune system that is geared up to promote inflammation in the joints, and occasionally other tissues of the body. Immune cells, including lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines and TNF), IL-1 and IL-6 are expressed in the inflamed areas. Introduction to treatments for RA • • There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The goal of treatment is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximise joint function and prevent joint destruction and deformity. Optimal treatment for the disease involves a combination of medications, rest, joint-strengthening exercises, joint protection and patient education. Three classes of medications are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis: o Fast-acting “first-line drugs” – these include NSAIDs (aspirin) and corticosteroids, used to reduce the pain and inflammation. o Slow-acting “second-line drugs” – also known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as gold and methotrexate which promote disease remission and prevent progressive joint destruction. o New “second-line drugs” – also referred to as biological DMARDs, including antiIL-1 and anti-TNF drugs