pathophysiology of RA
genetics + environmental trigger
1) Citrullinated antigens picked up by APC
2) T cell mediated immune resp (T, B, macro, fibroblasts-like synoviocytes)
a. Inflamm cytokines IL17, TNF, IL1, IL6
b. Signal via JAKs
3) Inflamm respon + Recruit inflamm cells
a. Angiogenesis in synovium
b. Synovial proliferation
4) Release proteases & Prostaglandins
5) Destruction of articular cartilage & underlying bone
3 causes of articular destruction
cause of RA
Chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease
Targets: synovial tissues, bone erosion, joint deformity
presentation of RA
extra-articular complication of RA
eye, heart, hematology, lung, renal, skin, vascular
lab findings of RA
diagnosis of RA
(may not be avail at early stage): RF, anti-CCP, radiographic
tx goals
RA tx plan
approach
1) csDMARD + NSAID (bridge 3mnths)
2) bDMARD added when pt on MTX but not at target
* TNFa tried first ○ Not rely on IA glucocorticoid for sx relief ○ Add bDMARD/ tsDMARD ○ Triple therapy (+hydroxy & sulfasalazine) - Less risk of ADR & lower costs * Try other class of bDMARD before ts DMARD
3) tsDMARD
* Gradual discontinuation of MTX or DMARD
* Dose reduction/ incr interval
monitor tx
selection of bDMARD/ tsDMARD
tsDMARD as last line (greater risk of major adverse CVS events, malignancy)
risk factors
bDMARD & tsDMARD safety concerns
GI perforation risk
CVS risk
GI: IL6i, JAKi, CD20 rituximab (onset 6day)
* diverticulitis
* > 65yo
* GC use
* NSAID use
CVS:
* HF: TNFa inhibitors
* HTN: IL6, JAKi
initiating bDMARD/ tsDMARD
low disease activity/ remission
analgesics short term
3mnths
NSAID: inhibit PG synthesis
CS: anti-inflam, immunosuppressive
* PO < 7.5 mg prednisolone
* IA Q3 mnthly (< 2-3x/yr)
* discont if bMDARD/ tsDMARD started
Methotrexate indication
MOA of methotrexate
SE of methotrexate
MTX dose
initiate 7.5mg once weeklu
titrate: 2.5-5mg/wkly (every 4-12wks based on resp)
TARGET: 15mg/day (within 4-6wks of initiate)
max: 25mg/wk
folic acid dose
5mg/ wk
CI of methotrexate
pre-exist liver disease/ AST/ALT > 3X ULN (75% dose)
immunodeficient
blood dyscrasias
teratogenic
crcl < 30ml/min (<50ml = 50% dose)