{"id":1711,"date":"2025-11-24T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vitamed.test\/reumatoid-arthritis-diagnosis-and-treatment\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T16:50:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T12:50:56","slug":"reumatoid-arthritis-diagnosis-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitamed.production.am\/en\/reumatoid-arthritis-diagnosis-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"REUMATOID ARTHRITIS: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\"REUMATOID<\/figure>\n

<\/p>\n

Rheumatoid arthritis<\/strong> (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of connective tissue, primarily affecting joints in a symmetrical pattern, leading to their progressive destruction, deformation, and functional impairment. It is classified as a systemic disease since extra-articular organs can also be involved.<\/p>\n

Epidemiology<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Prevalence in the general population: approximately 0.5–1%.<\/li>\n
  • Women are affected 2–3 times more often than men.<\/li>\n
  • Peak incidence: 30–50 years, but the disease can occur at any age, including childhood (juvenile idiopathic arthritis).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Etiology and Pathogenesis<\/h2>\n

    The exact cause is unknown, but the disease is multifactorial:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR4, HLA-DR1).<\/li>\n
    • Immune mechanisms: activation of T- and B-lymphocytes, production of rheumatoid factor (IgM against Fc fragment of IgG), anti-CCP antibodies.<\/li>\n
    • Environmental factors: infections, smoking, hormonal influences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The key link is chronic autoimmune inflammation with the formation of granulation tissue (pannus), which destroys cartilage and bone.<\/p>\n

      Clinical Manifestations<\/h2>\n

      Articular<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Symmetrical polyarthritis of small joints of hands and feet.<\/li>\n
      • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.<\/li>\n
      • Pain, swelling, restricted mobility.<\/li>\n
      • Progressive deformities (“swan neck,” “buttonhole,” ulnar deviation).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Extra-articular<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules.<\/li>\n
        • Pulmonary involvement (interstitial fibrosis, pleuritis).<\/li>\n
        • Vascular manifestations (vasculitis).<\/li>\n
        • Cardiac involvement (pericarditis, increased risk of atherosclerosis).<\/li>\n
        • Sjögren’s syndrome (dry eyes and mouth).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n