Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of joints. Rheumatoid disease can also involve inflammation of tissues in other areas of the body, such as the lungs, heart, and eyes. Because it can affect multiple organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. Also known as rheumatoid disease.
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- Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile
A form of joint disease in children whose systemic signs and symptoms include high intermittent fever, a salmon-colored skin rash, swollen lymph glands, enlargement of the liver and spleen, inflammation of the lungs (pleuritis), and inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). The arthritis itself may not be immediately apparent, but in time it surfaces and may […]
- Rheumatoid factor
An antibody that is measurable in the blood and is used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in about 80 percent of adults, and a much lower proportion of children, who have rheumatoid arthritis. It is also present in patients with other connective-tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, and in some patients […]
- Rheumatoid nodules
Rheumatoid nodules are firm lumps in the skin of patients with rheumatoid arthritis that usually occur in pressure points of the body, most commonly the elbows
- Rheumatologist
A specialist in the non-surgical treatment of rheumatic illnesses, especially arthritis. Rheumatologists have special interests in unexplained rash, fever, arthritis, anemia, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, autoimmune disease, and anorexia. They often serve as consultants, acting like detectives for other doctors. Rheumatologists have particular skills in the evaluation of the over 100 […]
- Rheumatologist, pediatric
A rheumatologist who specializes in caring for children with rheumatic diseases. Pediatric rheumatologists are pediatricians who have completed an additional 2 to 3 years of specialized training in pediatric rheumatology and are usually board certified in pediatric rheumatology. They have special interests in unexplained rash, fever, arthritis, anemia, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, muscle pain, autoimmune […]