What are the different stages of rheumatoid arthritis?
Answers
Answered by
0
Stage I: Early stage RA is notable by the presence of synovial membrane inflammation, which results in joint swelling and pain on motion. Immune cells move to the inflammation site, leading to high cell counts in synovial fluid; however, x-rays are typically negative, other than showing the possible presence of some osteoporosis and soft tissue swelling. Treatment of early-stage RA focuses on joint protection and inflammation control.
Stage II: In moderate stage RA, there is T and B cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the synovium. Synovial tissue starts to grow into the joint cavity, across cartilage, which will be gradually destroyed. The joint begins to narrow because of cartilage loss. There are typically no joint deformities at this stage, though mobility may become limited with adjacent muscle atrophy. There may be mild malaise as well as the presence of nodules.
stage III: Also defined as severe RA, this stage is characterized by the accumulation of synovial fluid polymorphonuclear leukocytes (SFPMNs), as well as synovial cell proliferation. The loss of cartilage in the affected joint exposes bone beneath the cartilage. Patients typically have symptoms including joint pain, swelling, limited range of motion, morning stiffness, weakness and malaise. Soft tissue swelling and joint cartilage loss will show on x-ray. Many stage III RA patients have extensive muscle atrophy as well as nodules and deformity. Pain relief and prevention of disability are primary treatment goals.
Stage IV: End-stage RA disease results in a cessation of inflammatory processes. The formation of fibrous tissue and/or bone ankylosing (fusing of bone) results in ceased joint function. MRI will show proliferative pannus (a membrane of granulation tissue). Patient symptoms are much the same as in stage III, i.e. joint pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness and malaise. At this point, treatment goals focus on reduction of pain and halting additional joint damage. Patients with end-stage RA may undergo joint replacement surgery.
Stage II: In moderate stage RA, there is T and B cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the synovium. Synovial tissue starts to grow into the joint cavity, across cartilage, which will be gradually destroyed. The joint begins to narrow because of cartilage loss. There are typically no joint deformities at this stage, though mobility may become limited with adjacent muscle atrophy. There may be mild malaise as well as the presence of nodules.
stage III: Also defined as severe RA, this stage is characterized by the accumulation of synovial fluid polymorphonuclear leukocytes (SFPMNs), as well as synovial cell proliferation. The loss of cartilage in the affected joint exposes bone beneath the cartilage. Patients typically have symptoms including joint pain, swelling, limited range of motion, morning stiffness, weakness and malaise. Soft tissue swelling and joint cartilage loss will show on x-ray. Many stage III RA patients have extensive muscle atrophy as well as nodules and deformity. Pain relief and prevention of disability are primary treatment goals.
Stage IV: End-stage RA disease results in a cessation of inflammatory processes. The formation of fibrous tissue and/or bone ankylosing (fusing of bone) results in ceased joint function. MRI will show proliferative pannus (a membrane of granulation tissue). Patient symptoms are much the same as in stage III, i.e. joint pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness and malaise. At this point, treatment goals focus on reduction of pain and halting additional joint damage. Patients with end-stage RA may undergo joint replacement surgery.
Similar questions