<<forEachTiddler where 'tiddler.tags.contains(context.inTiddler.title)' sortBy tiddler.title ascending write '"*[["+tiddler.title+"]]\n"'>> <<tiddler AutoRefresh with: force>> ''Epidemiology'' peak onset = 30-50 years, although occurs in all age groups F:M ratio = 3:1 prevalence = 1% some ethnic differences e.g. high in Native Americans associated with HLA-DR4 (especially Felty's syndrome) ''wide variety of extra-articular complications'' respiratory: pulmonary fibrosis, pleural effusion, pulmonary nodules, bronchiolitis obliterans, methotrexate pneumonitis, pleurisy ocular: keratoconjunctivitis sicca (most common), episcleritis, scleritis, corneal ulceration, keratitis, steroid-induced cataracts, chloroquine retinopathy osteoporosis ischaemic heart disease: RA carries a similar risk to type 2 diabetes mellitus increased risk of infections depression ''Less common'' Felty's syndrome (RA + splenomegaly + low white cell count) amyloidosis ''Xray changes'' //Early// loss of joint space juxta-articular osteoporosis soft-tissue swelling //Late// periarticular erosions subluxation ''Diagnosis'' Americans look at numbers of joints, raised inflamm markers, raised serology (RhF or ACPA) and duration ACPA = Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody NICE look more clinically - negative blood tests may still be RA