Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease, which can usually hold small joints of the hands and feet (wrist, MCP, PIF). RA is one of the most common (one in 100) rheumatic diseases in the population. It is more common in women. However, the rate of female-male incidence is equal in the older age group.

Although the cause is unknown, it is known that in individuals with genetic predisposition, due to some environmental factors, it is caused by dysregulation in the immune system. Among the agents triggering and triggering the disease, different bacterial and / or viral infections can be found. Individuals with a genetic background (those with a common epitope) are known to be more likely to develop disease. 

Symptoms

The most important complaints of RA patients include joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness and movement limitation lasting more than one hour. In addition, fatigue, loss of appetite, fatigue, such as constitutional symptoms are also included. The disease is the most common hand and foot small joints of the knee, elbow, shoulder, hip, ankle joints, as well as the neck spine can be affected. However, it should not be forgotten; In RA, joint involvement is only the visible part of the iceberg.

RA is a systemic disease and may also involve life-threatening internal organs (lung, heart, eye). Some patients present with complaints of internal organ involvement, with no prior art involvement. Dry cough, shortness of breath from exertion, indicating lung involvement; Symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain may indicate cardiac involvement. Some patients may also have skin rashes and ulcers that suggest subcutaneous nodules (RA nodules) and / or vasculitis of the RA.
 

Diagnosis

The most important factors in the diagnosis of RA include the history of the patient and findings of physical examination (systemic and locomotor system). In addition, some laboratory, serological and radiological examinations help to make a diagnosis. Laboratory tests can show elevated levels of inflammation (CRP and sedimentation). Serological tests, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies are examined. The rheumatoid factor (RF) is not specific for RA but can also be positively detected in other diseases (chronic infections, brucellosis, other connective tissue diseases). However, anti-CCP antibodies are more specific for RA and can be seen in 80-90 percent of patients. In radiological examinations, radiographs and / or MRI of the joints of the hands and feet are frequently removed, and bone changes, joint contraction and damage are detected. RA is a disease that can cause joint deformation and disability.
 

Treatment

Deformations can develop in the joints, especially in patients with advanced stage and not treated. This can lead to patients' disability and low quality of life. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is very important in RA. With early treatment, disease progression can be stopped. The development of deformations and the prevention of life-threatening organ involvement is possible. Basic drugs are used in the treatment of RA. These drugs prevent pain and joint complaints as well as prevent radiological progression and improve the quality of life.

In recent years, targeted therapies and biological medicines are among the new treatment options for RA treatment. As a result, RA is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease that can cause internal organ involvement as well as deformations in joints. Therefore, early diagnosis, early referral of the patients to the rheumatologist in the earliest possible stage, early treatment can prevent the progression of the disease and sometimes can be life-saving.