Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, primarily involving synovial joints. This condition is characterized by persistent symmetric polyarthritis (synovitis) and can significantly impact daily life. The hallmark feature of RA is joint destruction due to erosion of cartilage and bone, leading to joint deformities if left uncontrolled.
The pathogenesis of RA involves extensive new vessel formation, as detailed in Josef S. Smolen, Daniel Aletaha, and Kurt Redlich’s study, “The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis: new insights from old clinical data?” published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology. Diagnosis of RA can be challenging, as it typically involves a slow, insidious development of symptoms, although explosive acute polyarticular onset can also occur.
RA is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement. It is defined as early if the symptoms are present for fewer than six months and as established if the symptoms have been present for more than six months. There is no laboratory test that is pathognomonic for RA.
With a lifetime prevalence of up to 1 percent worldwide, RA can onset at any age but peaks between 30 and 50 years. The disease progresses from its early stages to more severe forms if not properly managed. For a comprehensive understanding of RA, refer to the Medscape article on RA’s clinical presentation, the SlideShare presentation on Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the UpToDate content on RA diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
Important objectives in managing RA include identifying comorbid conditions and understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Tests such as rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies play a crucial role in evaluating RA. For further information, consider the Ohio State University’s handout on RA, available at Rheumatoid Arthritis Final – Handout, and the American Academy of Family Physicians’ guide on Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
For an in-depth exploration of RA’s clinical manifestations, the UpToDate article on clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and the NCBI Bookshelf’s Rheumatoid Arthritis – StatPearls are excellent resources.
