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Ace the Case: 60-Year-Old Woman With Recurrent Infections and Bronchitis
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A 60-year-old white woman presented with severe seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. She is taking methotrexate 12.5 mg per week, prednisone 17.5 mg per day, and she is on her second course of rituximab (last infusion 6 months ago).
RA Assessment: tender joint count: 8; swollen joint count: 8; + nodules, erythrocyte sedimentation rate: 56, C-reactive protein: 1.9 mg/dL; RAPID3: 6.5 (high disease activity).
Immunoglobulins testing revealed an IgG of 580 mg% (normal is >600 mg%), with normal IgM and IgA.
Previous treatments for RA: etanercept, anakinra, rituximab.
The patient believes that methotrexate and biologics cause her recurrent infections and bronchitis. She is worried about her arthritis but wants something “safe.”
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Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this educational activity, participants will be better able to prevent infection in patients being treated for rheumatoid arthritis.
Overview
Author(s)/Faculty: Leonard H. Calabrese, DO
Source: Healio Rheumatology Education Lab
Type: Monograph
Articles/Items: 4
Release Date: 4/15/2018
Expiration Date: 4/14/2019
Credit Type: CME/ABIM MOC
Number of Credits: 0.25
Cost: Free
Providers: Vindico Medical Education
CME Information
Provider Statement: This continuing medical education activity is provided by Vindico Medical Information.
Support Statement: There is no commercial support for this activity.
Target Audience: The intended audience for this activity is rheumatologists and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.