Rheumatoid arthritis

Last updated: Saturday, 29, January, 2011
Key InformationAppropriate Tests

The diagnosis is made by clinical assessment of a polyarthritis persisting for more than 12 weeks. FBE, CRP, ESR to confirm the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis.

A positive rheumatiod factor and CCP antibody makes the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis more likely.

ANA/Creatinine/liver function tests/Uric acid, Parvovirus, Barmah forest virus, Ross River Virus serology.

See also Rheumatoid arthritis (juveline)

Extra-articular manifestations

Rheumatoid nodules

Anaemia of chronic disease

Neuropathy

Pleural effusion

Interstitial lung disease

Sjögren syndrome

Vasculitis

C3/C4

Pericarditis

Felty syndrome

Lymphocyte surface markers.

Amyloidosis

Treatment-related complications

Anaemia

See also Anaemia of chronic disease

Serum iron studies.

G6DP

  • Marrow suppression, especially
    • Gold
    • Methotrexate

See Pancytopenia

Pneumonitis, especially

  • Methotrexate

See Intestitial lung disease

Nephropathy, especially

  • Gold
  • NSAID

See Renal failure
Analgesic abuse
Renal tubulo-interstitial disorders

Hepatitis, especially

  • Methotrexate

See Hepatitis