Rheumatology teaching session

GP ST2 year

8/9/10

Introductions

Kate Gadsby, Lead Rheumatology educator Dr. Helen Vose, GP trainer from Ashbourne

Overview

Identifying inflammatory arthritis DMARDs & shared care protocol TEA & CAKE! Fibromyalgia

Diagnosing inflammatory arthritis

Leena Patel

ST2

Inflammatory arthritis

Group of autoimmune diseases presenting with joint and systemic features

Progressive condition Causes joint destruction and dysfunction Diagnosis of various types depends on

pattern of joint involvement and certain systemic features

Inflammatory arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Reactive arthritis

Important message

Evidence shows earlier detection and intensive treatment slows disease progression and joint destruction

Do not delay referral if inflammatory arthritis is suspected

Quick test

Which symptoms would make you think more of an inflammatory arthritis than a mechanical/degenerative joint disease?

History

Pattern of joint involvement Pattern of stiffness(>30 mins in the morning) Presence of swelling Relationship of symptoms to use Fatigue Associations like psoriasis, uveitis,

inflammatory bowel disease

Examination

Pattern of joint involvement Presence of synovitis (soft, boggy feeling

along joint line) Degree of tenderness ROM of joint Joint deformity

Guess the type of arthritis

Now..

Pick out the signs you can see in the picture that point to that diagnosis

Any other joints commonly affected in this type of arthritis?

What features may you find on an x-ray? Any other systems that may be affected?

What features can you identify?

Now..

Which inflammatory arthritis causes this? Which population group does it affect? What signs may you find on examination?

What’s the diagnosis

Which arthritis associated with the following eye symptoms Scleritis/episcleritis Anterior uveitis Uveitis Conjuctivitis

Recognising a pattern

RA – symmetrical involvement of MCPs & MTPs with swelling, morning stiffness and flare ups

Ankylosing spondylitis- prolonged morning stiffness of spine in young person

BUT not always as straight forward!!! If in doubt, refer for further assessment

Investigations

If history and examination suggests inflammatory arthritis, DON’T wait for results, refer straight away

Blood tests

FBC U&E ESR CRP Rheumatoid factor

Rheumatoid factor

NOT a screening test for RA Used for classification and prognosis Can be raised in other conditions and

infection High false positives Anti-CCP antibodies (more sensitive and

specific for RA)

X-rays

During early stages, normal x-rays therefore don’t rely on them for diagnosis

With time, periarticular osteopenia Bony erosions Joint subluxation

Initial management by GP

NSAID – reduced pain, swelling and inflammation

Simple analgesia – paracetamol, codeine Think of gastric protection in elderly,

dyspepsia symptoms Refer to secondary care early Think about quality of life, refer to OT for

possible aids

Secondary Treatment options

1. Steroids

2. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, gold salts, azathioprine, ciclosporin)

3. Biological therapy ( rituximab, etanercept, infliximab)

4. Surgical options

Key messages

Think of inflammatory arthritis when pt presents with joint pain

Ask appropriate history to confirm this Refer early, don’t wait for results X-rays not useful in early stages Rheumatoid factor not diagnostic

References

www.arthritisresearchuk.org www.rheumatology.org.uk InnovAiT; volume 2; issue 10; october 2009