Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that predominantly affects the joints but can also impact various extra-articular organs. It’s characterized by a chronic inflammatory process that can cause joint damage and affect organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, digestive system, eyes, skin, and nervous system.
One of the primary risk factors for RA is age, with the likelihood of developing the condition increasing as people get older. The onset of RA is most common among adults in their sixties. Additionally, gender plays a significant role, with women being more frequently affected than men.
Diagnosis and management of RA involve looking for signs of persistent synovitis of undetermined cause. It’s crucial to refer patients for a specialist opinion, particularly in cases involving the small joints of the hands or feet. This is even more urgent if there are negative anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies or rheumatoid factor, yet the symptoms persist.
RA is not just a joint disorder but a systemic autoimmune pathology. This means that while it primarily involves synovial joints, it also includes inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement. The interaction between genes and environmental factors, including tobacco, is often implicated in the development of RA.
For those diagnosed with RA, safety considerations are vital, especially when undergoing Anti-TNF Therapy. Patients are at a higher risk of infection, and this should be a key consideration in treatment planning.
The clinical presentation of RA varies, but typically, it affects more than 1% of the world’s population. It can present at any age, but the peak incidence is between 35 and 50 years. The ratio of women to men affected is approximately 3:1.
For managing RA, hydroxychloroquine is recommended for initial treatment in patients with low disease activity. Methotrexate is advised for more active cases. Understanding and managing this condition is crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected.
For further detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
CDC Rheumatoid Arthritis Basics
NCBI Bookshelf on RA
PMC Overview of RA Management
StatPearls on Rheumatoid Arthritis
RheumInfo on Anti-TNF Safety
AAFP Update on RA Management
JAAPA on Diagnosing and Managing RA
