Why in the news?

  • A recent study has traced the covert molecular progression of rheumatoid arthritis during its preclinical phase.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • What is it?:
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects synovial joints.
    • The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues causing persistent inflammation which later leads to joint damage and disability.
  • Key Features:
    • Symmetrical joint involvement- both sides of the body.
    • Affects small joints (hands, wrists, feet) early; larger joints later.
    • Can involve extra-articular organs- lungs, heart, eyes, skin, blood vessels.
    • More common in women.
  • Causes:
    • Autoimmune reaction causing production of autoantibodies.
    • Obesity and stress can worsen risk.
  • Symptoms:
    • Persistent joint pain & swelling.
    • Morning stiffness > 1 hour.
    • Fatigue, fever, weight loss.
    • Deformities: swan-neck, boutonnière, ulnar deviation.
  • Treatments:
    •  DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) 
    •  NSAIDs & Steroids: To reduce pain and inflammation.
    • Biologics like TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors and JAK Inhibitors.