Rheumatology topics for General Physicians
How rheumatology is tested
Written for DHA, SMLE, DOH, QCHP, OMSB, MOH, NHRA and Kuwait MOH — the same GP licensing mix, not a rheumatology specialist paper.
Rheumatology licensing stems are RA vs crystal vs lupus criteria, giant-cell arteritis vision threat, and HLA-B27 back pain — not every autoantibody panel.
RA items test DMARD choice and when to add biologic after methotrexate failure. Gout vs CPPD is the crystal and the joint. SLE is ACR/EULAR-style organ involvement, not a 20-antibody shopping list.
GCA with visual symptoms is steroids first, biopsy second. Axial spondyloarthritis is inflammatory back pain in a young adult plus imaging when CRP is unhelpful.
What is the first DMARD in RA on these exams?
Methotrexate unless pregnancy or contraindication. Know folate, liver monitoring, and that steroids are a bridge, not long-term monotherapy.
How is giant cell arteritis tested?
Start high-dose glucocorticoid the same day if vision is at risk. Temporal artery biopsy does not delay treatment.
Which autoantibody actually changes the answer?
Anti-CCP supports RA; anti-dsDNA/Smith support SLE; ANCA pattern supports vasculitis type. Random ANA titres without a syndrome are distractors.
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