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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition whereby the immune system attacks the synovial membrane of joints, initially of the small joints but progressively involving the big joints. It has a wide range of clinical presentation depending on extent of joints involvement and severity of the condition. It is a chronic multisystem disease of unknown aetiology.
Signs and symptoms
Diagnostic Criteria
• In the majority of patients with RA, the onset is insidious with joint pain, stiffness and symmetrical swelling of a number of peripheral joints
• The clinical course is however, variable
Investigation
• Rheumatoid Factor (positive in about 30% of cases)
Treatment
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Pharmacological
- • Acetylsalicylic acid 1.2 g PO 6 hourly with food.
OR
• Ibuprofen 400–800 mg PO 8 hourly. Continue for a long as it is necessary
NOTE: Patients with intractable symptoms may require special treatment at specialized centre
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Non-pharmacological
-
Prevention
Updated on,
6 Novemba 2020 08:16:40
References
- 1. STG
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