Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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The diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis include, first, the presence of swelling and pain in multiple joints, especially characterized and significant in the smaller joints. Second, serological tests show elevated levels of antibodies, commonly rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. If both are elevated, it is most meaningful. Third, the duration of joint swelling and pain should be more than six weeks. Fourth, we must also check some inflammatory markers for joints, such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. If these markers are elevated, and the patient has swelling and pain in multiple joints, then we can consider a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Does rheumatoid arthritis have anything to do with drinking alcohol?

Rheumatoid arthritis is not causally related to alcohol consumption. There is a certain correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection. Clinically, it is mainly manifested as joint pain or arthritis, primarily affecting major joints. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints, which are migratory, and generally do not leave joint deformities. During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to immobilize the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, can be used to relieve symptoms. If accompanied by myocarditis, glucocorticoids can also be applied in combination therapy.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis donate blood?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis. It belongs to auto-immune diseases and is not an infectious disease; the cause of which is currently unclear. There is also considerable individual variation in its clinical manifestations. Because it is an autoimmune disease, it cannot be cured. This relates to whether or not one can donate blood: firstly, blood donors must not have any infectious diseases. Secondly, since this disease cannot be cured and patients often need to take regular doses of medications such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine, there will be a certain concentration of these drugs in the body. If the condition allows and there are no infectious diseases, blood donation may be appropriately considered.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured through exercise?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be somewhat alleviated by exercise in terms of disease recovery. Rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifests as migratory swelling and pain in the major joints throughout the body. The onset of the disease is somewhat associated with streptococcal infections. In recent years, due to the widespread use of penicillin, rheumatoid arthritis has become very rare in clinical settings. Since the onset of rheumatoid arthritis is related to infections, long-acting penicillin is generally used for treatment if there is no accompanying carditis. Joint pain can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as etoricoxib or sustained-release capsules of diclofenac sodium; if carditis is present, corticosteroids can be used. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can engage in gentle aerobic exercises like swimming, yoga, jogging, Tai Chi, etc.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly fall into three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory analgesics, which include non-steroidal analgesic drugs such as slow-release diclofenac sodium. For patients with especially high inflammatory indicators, low-dose corticosteroids may also be considered. The second category of drugs includes slow-acting drugs commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate and leflunomide, which are immunosuppressants. If the patient does not respond well to non-steroidal analgesic drugs or immunosuppressants, biological agents can be considered as a treatment option. Common biological agents include tumor necrosis factor antagonists. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to completely cure without medication, as it is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that requires lifelong medication. The main treatment plans include the following three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which includes non-steroidal analgesics and low-dose corticosteroids. The second category, which is also the most important treatment, involves the use of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory analgesics and immunosuppressants, treatment with biological agents may also be considered. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)