DR. CORA LIM-MEDICAL INSIDER

Rheumatic Fever (RF), Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus, and other Diseases 

(Part 2)


We continue today our discussion of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Some Guidelines in RA Treatment 

Establish RA Diagnosis – As we establish RA diagnosis, we have to evaluate, initiate, assess, revise, rehabilitate. 

We evaluate the Disease activity/extent of synovitis, the Structural damage and the  Functional/psychosocial status

We also Initiate Treatment taking into consideration the Patient education, the Physical & occupational therapy etc., the NSAIDs, and the Possible local or oral steroids.

Then we assess the Disease Activity and consult a Rheumatologist

As we revise Treatment Plan we need to  Consult Rheumatologist, Change NSAIDs, Change/add DMARDs, Local or oral steroids.

Rehabilitation is another step to be considered which would include: Spontaneous Remission, Monitor Disease Activity, Reactivation of Disease, and Remission or Satisfactory Control.

Why is there a need for Referral to a Rheumatologist? 

The reasons behind the need to refer to a rheumatologist are the following: 

  • To confirm the diagnosis or consider other possibilities; 
  • To assess disease activity & severity; 
  • To provide general disease management; 
  • To mange uncontrolled or life threatening disease; 
  • To manage/prevent treatment toxicities;