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Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Smoking is a strong risk factor for developing RA
- Can initially present as an oligoarthritis - usually becomes symmetric over time (usually >60min. joint stiffness in the AM)
- MCPs and PIPs most commonly affected (DIPs and lumbar spine are spared)
Posted 08/08/16 11:38:33 AM by Adam Faye
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RA Extrarticular Sequelae:
- Felty Syndrome (pancytopenia, splenomegaly, leg ulcers)
- Rheumatoid Nodules
- ILD - usually insidious in onset
- Rheumatoid vasculitis
- Long-standing disease can lead to secondary amyloidosis (more common in Asia than U.S.)
Posted 08/08/16 11:40:26 AM by Adam Faye
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- RA is a risk factor CAD
- Methotrxate/TNF-inhibitors can reduce inflammation and as a result may be able to reduce CV risk. Dr Bathon looking at FDG uptake on PET-CT to evaluate inflammation in myocardium before/after treatment
Posted 08/08/16 11:44:37 AM by Adam Faye
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Methotrexate - can cause pulmonary toxicity (most commonly is hypersensitivity pneumonitis)
With TNF-inhibitors - use caution if patient has underlying HF --> may worsen condition
Posted 08/08/16 11:52:18 AM by Adam Faye
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For further reading...
Posted 08/08/16 11:54:10 AM by Adam Faye
Created by Christopher Kelly
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