Advances in the treatment of RA have shown that active drugs should be given as soon as possible [1, 2]. This idea has been framed in the concept of a window of opportunity for the best results, window that extends only for the first months since symptoms onset [3-6]. The benefits of treatment in this window include increased response rates, decreased disease activity, prevention of bone erosions, less disability, increased rates of remission, even of drug-free remission, and larger improvement in health quality scores [3-6]. These benefits are of large significance, but are demanding for the rheumatologist because often it is difficult to diagnose RA when the first symptoms appear. This task has been facilitated by the development of new RA classification criteria in 2010 [2]. These criteria aim to define patients earlier in the disease course than the 1987 ACR criteria [7].
Diagnostics to help determine this disorder would first be getting an x-ray done, a (ESR) erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be done to determine if there is any inflammation and in this case there would be an increase in the (ESR), also a (RF) rheumatoid factor is performed, this is a blood test to determine how much RF antibody is in the blood which is very helpful to determine if you have RA or an autoimmune disease, if there is an increase then there is most likely a chance of knowing that you have rheumatoid arthritis (MedlinePlus, 2013).
Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. RA is a progressive and debilitating musculoskeletal disorder that affects the joints symmetrically, causing a range of systemic effects. What it causes is still not well known; nevertheless, findings of new research points towards a believe that it is triggered by a defective immune system, which causes the release of inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals cause damage to cartilage and bone, usually affecting the wrists, the joints of the hand, including the knuckles, the middle joints of the fingers and feet. While this condition can affect any joints, besides, important body organs such as the eyes and the lungs can also be affected by the inflammation that occurs as a result of this chronic condition. Only in America 1.3 million of people are affected by this ailment, and 75 % of them are mainly women. Its onset usually occurs between fourth and sixth decades; however, RA can occur at any age("Diseases And
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic syndrome that is characterized by inflammation of the peripheral joints, but it may also involve the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and eyes. The prevalence of this autoimmune disease is between 0.3% to 1.5% of the population in the United States (Feinberg, pp 815). It affects women two to three times more often than men, and the onset of RA is usually between 25 and 50 years of age, but it can occur at any age (Reed, pp 584). RA can be diagnosed by establishing the presence of persistent joint pain, swelling in a symmetric distribution, and prolonged morning stiffness. RA usually affects multiple joints, such as the hands, wrists, knees, elbows, feet, shoulders, hips, and small
Around 70% of arthritis sufferers in the UK have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Women are also more likely to develop RA than men, and commonly affects adults between ages 50 and 60. This condition is characterised by an insidious onset of pain, swelling of joints and morning stiffness. Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the synovial tissue of the joints, supposedly triggered by the presence of autobodies such as rheumatoid factors. The first line treatment for RA is a combination of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). These slow down the progression of RA and treatment typically includes methotrexate in combination with another DMARD (e.g. sulphasalazine). Short term glucocorticoids are also used with DMARDS to manage flares of inflammation. Anti-TNF drugs
If ones doctor suspects RA they may perform blood test to check for protein in the blood (This is present in about 2 in 3 people with RA. However, about 1 in 20 of the normal population has rheumatoid factor), and x-rays of the hands and feet may be done to detect any early deformations of the joints. If an individual’s doctor suspects that they may have RA, they usually will refer the patient to a rheumatologist who specialize in the joints and this type of disease. There is no cure for RA, but proper treatment for RA can make a big difference in reducing symptoms and to improve quality of life. Some of the main aims of treatment are: to decrease the disease from progressing to prevent joint damage, to reduce pain and stiffness in the affected joints, to minimize any disability caused by pain, joint damage, or deformities. A common medication prescribed for RA are disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine. This can be with medication such as steroids, NSAIDS, and often times will treat with pain killers because the pain is so intense. Eating a healthy diet and excising is always
Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is abbreviated as (RA), by definition, is an inflammatory immune-mediated defect. In developed countries, its prevalence is about 0.5 to 1%. It is a serious disease whose effects can at times lead to permanent disability. Some of the effects include bone erosion, articular destruction and chronic synovial inflammation, which results in functional decline and disability. The Introduction of effective and efficient intervention has been put in place to reduce joint damage and functional impairment.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterised by the inflammation of the joints, often accompanied by deformities. Moreover, rheumatoid arthritis is a gradual condition, developing over several months and years. Furthermore, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis the moment its symptoms appear is vital for its treatment and prevention. Considering the fact that rheumatoid arthritis has no exact cause and no known cure, many people are participating in rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials.
Although, symptoms and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) vary from person to person. Patient prognosis will depend on many factors, such as whether patients test positive or negative for the protein called rheumatoid factor (RF). Other factors that affect prognosis include patient’s age at time of diagnosis, overall health, and whether or not a person develop complications. Therefore, making the right lifestyle choices and adhering to the treatment plan can make a traumatic differences. (Johns Hopkin
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that affects some 2 million people in the United States, roughly 1 to 2% of the population. It continues to be a mystery to many that study its origin. Rheumatoid Arthritis is commonly referred to as RA. It does not discriminate, it can wreak havoc on a wide range of people. It doesn’t care what your skin color is or where you reside or even your age. It is most common in people between the age of 40 and 60, but has been diagnosed in children as well. RA does seem to affect women more so than men. Some people say women are 3 times more likely to have it than men. This research paper examines Rheumatoid Arthritis in regards to: potential causes, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and how people cope/live with it. RA is being studied around the world, various trails and experiments continue to test new developments. Some people experience symptoms like joint stiffness at a very young age. Not everyone that has RA experiences the same symptoms. Treatment can be so different from one Rheumatologist to another. Based on this research there is still quite a bit to learn about RA.
Due to the irreversible damage that occurs in RA, there is a need to improve the identification and diagnosis of early RA. The primary serological tests for RA used to be assays detecting rheumatoid factor; however, nowadays ACPA assays are being used clinically. The most widely known autoantibody is the rheumatoid factor (RF). These IgM autoantibodies are directed against the Fc portion of IgG molecules. RF can be detected in about 75% of RA patients; however, it is also found in the healthy elderly population (5). Thus, it is not very specific. In addition, false positive RF results occur in patients with chronic infections and other rheumatic and inflammatory
In 2015, the ACR conducted a systematic review of the literature evaluating the benefits and risks of treatment options and established a guideline for initiating treatments for early diagnosed RA patients defined as having RA symptoms or the disease for less than six months and for established RA patients defined as having RA symptoms or the disease for greater than six months or having met the 1987 ACR RA classification (Singh et al., 2016). Physicians should not consider the guidelines as prescriptive but a tool for discussion with the patient to determine an appropriate treatment course considering the patient’s wishes and the decision should be shared between the physician and the patient (Singh et al., 2016). Treatment strategies are based on each RA patient and are dependent upon disease severity and tolerance of medications. Typically, a RA patient
In general Arthritis describes that inflammation that occurs in the joints which can be warmth, redness, pain and/or selling. RA is an ongoing type of arthritis, the symmetric involvements of joints differentiates RA from other arthritis types. normally when one side is effected the other side most likely is also effected such as both knees, hand or/and wrists. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from Joint pain, stiffness, fatigue etc which can effect their quality of life. In addition to medications clinicians must educate patients on Non-pharmacologic approaches to aid in relief such as the following
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is defined as a common, chronic, and systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease (Curtis, Gaggo, Saag, 2006, 2451.) While there are several different kinds of arthritis, one that can be debilitating is rheumatoid arthritis. It typically occurs around the fourth or fifth decade of life and has a tendency to affect women more often than men. Living with this condition can have a significant impact on the patient 's quality of life. Day to day activities can become a hindrance living with RA. Furthermore, patients affected can display physical deformities which cause additional health and mobility issues. According to the American College of Rheumatology, about 1.3 million Americans currently have RA (ACR, 2015.)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a very common disease associated with aging, which affects the mobility of an individual. RA is a disabling disease, which makes an individual cannot perform his/her daily tasks and exercises which is vital to our health. Patients who suffer from RA have high risk to have cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as myocardial infarction and cardiac death than those without RA. Early detection of the RA, and the possibility to have CVD in the later period is a must to give medications and physical motor interventions.
Arthritis affects over 10 million people in the UK alone. There are over 200 types with the main types being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Osteoarthritis, the most common form suffered by 8.5 million in the UK, is a wasting of connective tissue between bones. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although less common, is more severe and accounts for less than 10% of arthritis sufferers in the UK (NHS UK, 2012). It is a painful condition causing swelling, damaging bone and cartilage around joints. Its progression and severity vary greatly between individuals but it can cause serious disability, having a huge impact on ability to carry out tasks in everyday life. For this