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∙ 11y agoThere is no cure for Rheumatoid arthritis, only treatment for the symptoms and the hope of it going into remission. At this time we do not know what causes RA.
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What is RA factor?
Rheumatoid factor (RF or RhF) antibody directed against an organism's own tissues) most relevant in rheumatoid-arthritis. It is an antibody against the Fc portion of immunoglobulin-g-1, which is itself an antibody. RF and IgG join to form immune-complex-1 which contribute to the disease process. About 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have detectable rheumatoid factor. Those who do not are said to be "seronegative".Rheumatoid factor can also be a cryoglobulinemia-1 (antibody that precipitates on cooling of a blood sample); it can be either type 2 (monoclonal IgM to polyclonal IgG) or 3 (polyclonal IgM to polyclonal IgG)RF is often evaluated in patients suspected of having any form of arthritis even though positive results can be due to other causes, and negative results do not rule out disease. But, in combination with signs and symptom, it can play a role in both diagnosis and disease prognosis. It is part of the usual disease criteria of rheumatoid arthritis.The presence of rheumatoid factor in serum can also indicate the occurrence of suspected autoimmune activity unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis, such as that associated with tissue or organ rejection. In such instances, RF may serve as one of serology markers for autoimmunity. (source wikipedia)
What is Rheumatoid factor?
Rheumatoid Factor Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Less than 40-60 u/mLLess than 1:80 (1 to 80) titerA low number usually means you don't have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, some people who do have these conditions still have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Does rheumatoid arthritis affect the integumentary systems?
Rheumatoid arthritis affects many systems in the body, including the integumentary. One of the telltale signs of rheumatoid arthritis is the "rheumatoid nodules" or bumps that form around the joints (mostly visible when joint is flexed) and on the arms and legs. As the disease advances, nodules may also appear in the pleura (membrane covering the lungs exterior and the interior of the chest cavity) and meninges (tissue surrounding brain and spinal cord). Other symptoms of RA that affect the skin include paleness, skin redness and inflammation around joints, swollen glands, and numbness or tingling. This disease has a complication that manifests itself mostly in the integumentary system; it is called rheumatoid vasculitis. The blood vessels become inflamed and bleed into the skin, causing skin ulcers, gangrene, and purpura (dark purple spots on skin). Nerve function is also impaired, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the skin. Rheumatoid arthritis is often treated with corticosteroids, which notably have side-effects that impair the integumentary system. They cause extra fat deposits in the chest, face, upper back, and stomach, water and salt retention which cause swelling/edema, bruising, impaired or slower wound healing, acne, and thinning of skin. Due to the side effects, they are used mostly for short-term treatment. It is sad to note though, that their positive effects on the disease and symptoms cause many people to take them unknowingly and then suffer the side effects later. Integumentary System by Amaris Ramirez - Sunday, 8 November 2009,
Can you tell is going to rain by arthritis?
Many people can feel changes in weather due to their arthritis. This is because cold and rainy weather inflames the joints.
How does arthritis affect your organs?
There is inflammation in your joints so if arthritis is not slowed then it can affect other organs and systems of the body including:· Heart: A collection of fluid around the heart from inflammation is not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis. This usually causes only mild symptoms, if any, but it can be very severe. Rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammation can affect the heart muscle, the heart valves, or the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries).· Lungs: Rheumatoid arthritis' effects on the lungs may take several forms. Fluid may collect around one or both lungs and is referred to as pleuritis. Less frequently, lung tissues may become stiff or overgrown, referred to as pulmonary fibrosis. Any of these effects can have a negative effect on breathing.· Kidneys: The kidneys are not usually affected directly by rheumatoid arthritis. Kidney problems in rheumatoid arthritis are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition.· Blood vessels: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause problems in any organ but are most common in the skin, where they appear as purpura or skin ulcers.· Blood: Anemia or "low blood" is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia means that you have an abnormally low number of red blood cells and that these cells are low in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. (Anemia has many different causes and is by no means unique to rheumatoid arthritis.) A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can occur from Felty's syndrome, a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that is also characterized by enlargement of the spleen.· Eyes: The eyes commonly become dry and/or inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis. This is called Sjögren syndrome. The severity of this condition depends on which parts of the eye are affected. There are many other eye complications of rheumatoid arthritis that often require the attention of an ophthalmologist.
Can cardiac sphincter get inflamed due to severe rheumatoid arthritis flare up and diagnosis simultaneously of pleurisy?
rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the muscles of the heart and can do the the same in the lining of the lungs leading to pleurisy. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis crop up in several places in the body at at the same time.
What causes severe pain in collar bone and all joints and ribs?
Rheumatoid Arthritis - bursitis and/or tendonitis due to RA.
Why do i get Allergic arthritis due to blood pressure tablets?
The exact causes of arthritis are not known. However allergy are an expression of the work done by the immune system and come with inflammation and some forms of arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is also a result of inflammation.
What diseases and disorders can effect ligaments?
Ligaments can be torn or broken due to injury or fracture, and they can get inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis and infected in septic arthritis
What are immunosuppresive cytotoxic drugs?
have a stabilizing effect on the immune system. Since the inflammation associated with chronic arthritis is due to malfunctions of the immune system, use of this class of drugs has been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Does rheumatoid arthritis cause cracking bones not literally like breaking but cracking noises?
This noise, unless, painful, is due to air in the joint. See link below about joint popping.
Does rheumatoid arthritis increase in summer?
Not So far as I have been able to ascertain, I have had RA myself for as long as I can remember and have never been able to notice any difference due to climate or temperature.
What causes pain in fingers?
There are many different reasons of pain in the pinky finger. These include rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon and osteoarthritis. Added to that, due o medical conditions such as nerve problems, there can be severe pain. This can be common among adults but not children. One of the common reasons can be rheumatoid Arthritis among kids which is associated with signs like swelling, limited range of motion and stiffness of the finger joints.
What disease is characterized by chills fever and anemia due hemoglobin being ingested by the infective?
malaria
What is RA factor?
Rheumatoid factor (RF or RhF) antibody directed against an organism's own tissues) most relevant in rheumatoid-arthritis. It is an antibody against the Fc portion of immunoglobulin-g-1, which is itself an antibody. RF and IgG join to form immune-complex-1 which contribute to the disease process. About 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have detectable rheumatoid factor. Those who do not are said to be "seronegative".Rheumatoid factor can also be a cryoglobulinemia-1 (antibody that precipitates on cooling of a blood sample); it can be either type 2 (monoclonal IgM to polyclonal IgG) or 3 (polyclonal IgM to polyclonal IgG)RF is often evaluated in patients suspected of having any form of arthritis even though positive results can be due to other causes, and negative results do not rule out disease. But, in combination with signs and symptom, it can play a role in both diagnosis and disease prognosis. It is part of the usual disease criteria of rheumatoid arthritis.The presence of rheumatoid factor in serum can also indicate the occurrence of suspected autoimmune activity unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis, such as that associated with tissue or organ rejection. In such instances, RF may serve as one of serology markers for autoimmunity. (source wikipedia)
What are some treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?
Decades ago, if a person were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the rheumatologist would tell that person that he or she would have a poor prognosis and would likely be disabled in in the future from the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis. Now, with modern medicine and the latest in research developments now making its breakthroughs tangible, having rheumatoid arthritis no longer means being crippled as one gets older. Medicines used for other purposes have now found usage in rheumatoid arthritis due to better understanding of the disease. New medications have also revolutionized the outlook of rheumatoid arthritis. The conservative treatments are always suggested first, such as using over the counter pain medications (NSAIDs, Tylenol) and heat/ice, but more physicians are beginning to use medications called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) earlier in the course of rheumatoid arthritis. The oral forms of these drugs range in type and indication, but the most common ones used are methotrexate, Plaquenil, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, and ciclosporine. Clinical studies have indicated that earlier, more aggressive usage of these medications can not only show earlier benefit, but also slow or even halt progression of rheumatoid completely. Corticosteroids are still used for rheumatoid flares, but most treatments are kept as short as possible because of their side effects. Patients started on oral steroids take a strong dose of steroids and gradually taper the dose until they are weaned off. For rheumatoid that has not been controlled with DMARDs on a regular basis, the new biologic agents have shown lots of promise in managing rheumatoid arthritis. These new agents work by blocking one of the biochemicals in the body that trigger inflammation. This halts an inflammatory cascade that causes a marked reduction in inflammation, and as a result decreases or even halts the immune system's attack on joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Such medications include etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. These medications have revolutionized the treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis, but have its disadvantages as well. For one, it can only be taken as an injectible form because the stomach's acid degrades this product before it reaches the body. Another downside is the increased risk for infections. Though there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are many options available for managing the disease. However, with the current research in understanding this disease process, there is hope a better treatment or even a cure will be found.
What is Rheumatoid factor?
Rheumatoid Factor Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Less than 40-60 u/mLLess than 1:80 (1 to 80) titerA low number usually means you don't have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, some people who do have these conditions still have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
