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;