Rheumatoid Arthritis

It can affect the cervical spine, which in fact can result in paralysis due to C1-C2 subluxation with resultant spinal cord damage

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. It is characterized by symmetric synovitis, which means that the inflammation occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body. Joint erosion is another characteristic of RA, where the inflammation leads to the destruction of the joint cartilage and bone. Additionally, RA can also have multisystem extra articular manifestations, meaning that it can affect other parts of the body besides the joints, such as the skin, eyes, heart, and lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above."

The correct answer is 1%. This means that only 1% of the population is affected by RA. This indicates that rheumatoid arthritis is not a very common condition and affects a relatively small percentage of the overall population.

Methotrexate cannot be taken during pregnancy because it is a medication that can cause harm to the developing fetus. Methotrexate is commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancer, but it is known to have teratogenic effects, meaning it can cause birth defects or pregnancy loss. Therefore, it is important for women to avoid taking methotrexate while pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Leflunomide, on the other hand, is also contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential for harm to the fetus.

Adalimumab is used as a first-line treatment for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that works by targeting and inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein involved in the inflammatory process of RA. Adalimumab helps reduce joint inflammation, pain, and swelling, and can slow down the progression of joint damage. It is considered an effective and safe option for treating RA, and is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing the disease.

Sulfasalazine is contraindicated with sulfa intolerance and G6PD deficiency. This means that individuals who are allergic or intolerant to sulfa drugs should not take sulfasalazine, as it may cause severe allergic reactions. Additionally, individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid sulfasalazine, as it can trigger hemolytic anemia in these individuals. Hypertension is not listed as a contraindication for sulfasalazine. Therefore, the correct answer is A&B, meaning that sulfasalazine is contraindicated with sulfa intolerance and G6PD deficiency.

Biologic DMARDs are known to have adverse effects such as infections and CHF (congestive heart failure). This means that these medications can increase the risk of developing infections and can also potentially lead to heart failure. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not specifically mentioned as an adverse effect of biologic DMARDs, so it is not included in the answer. Therefore, the correct answer is a&b only.