A Clinical Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints on both sides of the body. Some of its common symptoms are tenderness, pain and swelling in more than one joint, stiffness, weakness, fatigue and fever. There is no specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis, but factors like emotional or physical stress, smoking and infection may result in the immune system attacking the joints. The diagnosis includes physical exam based on symptoms and medical history. Blood tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), along with imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds and MRI scans are used to diagnose RA. Its treatment aims to prevent or improve joint function and damage. There are several medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX-2 inhibitors, corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that help to relieve the symptoms of RA. Treatment of severe RA includes surgeries, like synovectomy and total joint replacement to correct the deformity. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for clinicians and medical students.