Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
SENDROM, cilt.22, sa.4, ss.33-42, 2010 (Scopus)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. Its prevalence is around 1%. Both cellular and humoral immune meachanisms are thought to play a role in its pathogenesis. Although the most common presentation is polyarticular involvement of the small joints of hands and feet, all synovial joints including the wrists, ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders and hips may be involved. Around 40% of patients have extra-articular involvement at one point in their disease course. Subcutaneous nodules, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary nodules, early atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, pericarditis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, entrapment neuropathies, rheumatoid vasculitis, Felty's syndrome, mononeuritis multiplex, amyloidosis and osteoporosis are some of the extra-articular complications. Rheumatoid factor is positive in around 85% of RA patients. Anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) is a more specific antibody used for the early diagnosis of RA which also indicates a more severe course and erosive disease. The aim of management is to reduce pain and stiffness in the short term and to prevent the development of deformities and functional loss in the long term. We tried to summarize the clinical and laboratory features and key points to the diagnosis and management of RA in the light of the latest evidence.