The USMLE Step 1 exam is going to test your ability to understand the basic sciences, but as we move forward the exam is become more amazon.it and more clinical in nature, so it is essential that you learn how to combine the basic sciences with the clinical side of medicine. When it comes to Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Step 1 exam, there are a few important things you have to understand, namely: Main signs and symptoms, clinical findings, lab findings, and finally doctissimo.fr when and which medications to use to help you patient.

Here are the main topics we are going to cover to ensure your USMLE Step 1 theory for rheumatoid arthritis is covered completely:

1. The main signs and lilivox.com symptoms

2. The main extra-articular seqc.es signs and symptoms

3. The expected lab activaparcdelesaigues.com findings of RA

4. The steps to proper doctivue.fr management for RA

5. Important complications you must be aware of relating to RA

The Main Signs and Symptoms:

Morning stiffness that lasts more than 1hr for at least 6 weeks
Swelling of the wrists, PIP, or MCP joints for at least 6 weeks
Symmetric joint swelling for at least 6 week
Swelling of at least 3 joints for at least 6 weeks


Deformities involving the PIP and DIP joints include "Boutonniere deformity" and "Swan-Neck deformity". The Boutonniere deformity is flexion of the PIP and extension of the DIP, while the Swan-Neck deformity is PIP extension with DIP flexion.

The Main extra-articular signs and symptoms

Rheumatoid nodules (subcutaneous nodules)
Caplan syndrome (rheumatoid nodules in the lungs)
Tendon and ligament damage


The expected lab findings of RA:

Rheumatoid Factor is increased
Anemia is usually found
ESR is increased (due to inflammatory process)
X-ray may show bony erosions
Synovial fluid analysis looking at white blood cell count (should be elevated)


The steps to proper management of RA:

We used to keep NSAIDs as the drug of choice, but now we stick to using Methotrexate as the first line management. Here are the steps to proper management:

Use methotrexate for 1 week, then add prednisone for 1 week (using prednisone subsequently for flare-ups)
If your patient cannot use methotrexate, we can give them hydroxychloroquine instead, which is an. This drug has the ability to cause retinopathies, so we have to ensure they get regular eye exams.


Important complications you must be aware of in RA:

An extension of the inflamed synovium into the popliteal space can cause a Baker's cyst, which presents with a swollen, tender, and painful calf
Prior to any surgical procedure, it is important to rule out a subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint, which can accidentally be hyperextended during intubation and potentially lead to post-operative paralysis.


Understanding and following the high-yield rheumatoid arthritis information above will ensure you cover all the RA information you need for your USMLE Step 1 exam.

Who are the authors of the CAAC 2009 Annual Report?

Jul-Aug 2009;59(4):225-49.doi: 10.3322/caac.20006. Epub 2009 May 27. Authors Ahmedin Jemal 1 , Rebecca Siegel, Elizabeth Ward, Yongping Hao, Jiaquan Xu, Michael J Thun Affiliation

Can you buy acyclovir over the counter?

In the U.S., you cannot buy acyclovir cream or ointments over-the-counter. The only topical treatment approved for over-the-counter sales is Abreva which contains docosanal (10%) as its active ingredient. The following medications require a prescription form a doctor or an online consultation: Acyclovir cream/ointments (5%)

What kind of drug is Allegra D 12 Hour?

DESCRIPTION ALLEGRA-D® 12 HOUR (fexofenadine hcl and pseudoephedrine hcl) (fexofenadine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets for oral administration contain 60 mg fexofenadine hydrochloride for immediate release and 120 mg pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for extended release.

What are the best ingredients for anti-aging and acne?

They’re one of the best ingredients for both anti-aging and acne, however, they often cause skin irritation. Research suggests that niacinamide (vitamin B3) can reduce this irritation by increasing the natural production of ceramides within your skin, thus improving your skin’s barrier function and overall hydration.