Rheumatoid Arthritis

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, previously considered a benign disabling illness, rheumatoid arthritis is now recognized as a cause of increased mortality due to the systemic effects of peri-cardial disease, interstitial lung disease and systemic vasculitis. The author points out that the differentiation of rheumatoid arthritis from other rheumatic diseases can be difficult; however, certain clinical features, such as joint inflammation and the number and specific joint sites affected can help indicate if the diagnosis should be RA. The paper relates that the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown but there is some indication that a common virus or bacterium might serve as a triggering event; however, there is still no evidence to implicate a specific infectious agent.

From the Paper:

"Joint inflammation is characteristically polyarticular, symmetrical, and in severe cases may be warm and erythematous. Joints involved in Rheumatoid Arthritis include proximal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), the wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle. Rheumatoid nodules, an aggregate of inflammatory cells surrounding a center of cellular debris, can occur on the extensor surfaces of the elbows or fingers. A poorer prognosis is likely for patients who experienced onset at an early age and who have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates and high levels of rheumatoid factor and swelling of more than 20 joints."

More papers on Rheumatoid Arthritis:

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• Article Review # 106841 : "Rheumatoid Arthritis"
• Research Paper # 108209 : "Rheumatoid Arthritis - Its Effect on Daily Living"

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