title: Rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, debilitating disease characterized by chronic polyarticular inflammation that leads to erosion of joint and bones and to significant extra-articular, systemic, and cardiopulmonary manifestations. RA affects the patient's psychologic and social well-being as well as physical activity. The economical burden is high. Patients with RA may be admitted to the ICU for a variety of problems and present unique challenges to all physicians, including intensivists. This article discusses the basic pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of RA and the extra-articular disorders that bring these patients to an ICU. The management of these patients in ICU is discussed, with emphasis on airway management and outcome.
authors.affiliation: Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medicine and Anesthesiology, West Virginia University Health Science Center, 3306 HSS, 100 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. hdedhia@hsc.wvu.edu
authors.forename: Harakh V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Dedhia
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: DiBartolomeo
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D019990:Perioperative Care