DMARDs and biologic therapies — MCQs

Two separate investigators have conducted cohort studies to calculate the risk of lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis patients taking anti-TNF alpha medications. They each followed patients with rheumatoid arthritis for a number of years and tracked the number of patients who were diagnosed with lymphoma. The results of the two studies are summarized in the table. Number of patients Follow-up period Number of new cases of lymphoma Study 1 3000 10 years 30 Study 2 300 30 years 9 Based on these results, which of the following statements about the risk of lymphoma is most accurate?

A 33-year-old woman with a history of multiple sclerosis is brought to the physician because of dizziness, urinary incontinence, loss of vision in her right eye, and numbness and weakness of the left leg. She has had recurrent episodes of neurological symptoms despite several changes in her medication regimen. An MRI of the brain shows several new enhancing lesions in the periventricular white matter and the brainstem. Treatment with a drug that binds to CD52 is initiated. Which of the following agents was most likely prescribed?

A 34-year-old male comes to his family physician with complaints of joint pain that has been present for over 7 weeks. Prior to the onset of his arthritis, he recalls having a gastrointestinal infection which caused mild diarrhea and abdominal cramps. He recovered well and had no issues until his joint pain started. A prescription for naproxen was previously prescribed but he still does not feel well. He has no significant past medical or family history. On physical examination, his blood pressure is 120/78 mm Hg, respirations are 17/min, pulse is 64/min, and temperature is 36.7°C (98.0°F). Which of the following therapies is likely to be most beneficial in treating this patient’s condition?

A 49-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 4-month history of fatigue and recurrent pain in both of her wrists and her fingers. During this time, she has also had stiffness of her joints for about 80 minutes after waking up in the morning. Examination shows swelling and tenderness of the wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints bilaterally. Her serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 42 mm/h and rheumatoid factor is positive. Treatment is begun with a drug that results in decreased synthesis of deoxythymidine monophosphate. This mechanism is most similar to the mechanism of action of which of the following drugs?

A 46-year-old male presents to his dermatologist for routine follow-up of his psoriasis. He was last seen in the office six months prior, at which time he started undergoing ultraviolet light therapy. He reports that he initially noticed an improvement in his symptoms but the effects were transient. He has also started noticing pain and stiffness in his fingers. His past medical history is notable for obesity and diabetes mellitus. He takes metformin. His temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, pulse is 80/min, and respirations are 16/min. Multiple plaques with scaling are noted on the extensor surfaces of the upper and lower extremities. The patient’s physician suggests stopping the ultraviolet light therapy and starting an injectable medication that acts as a decoy receptor for a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Which of the following is an adverse effect associated with the use of this medication?

A 28-year-old woman with a history of migraines presents to your office due to sudden loss of vision in her left eye and difficulty speaking. Two weeks ago she experienced muscle aches, fever, and cough. Her muscle aches are improving but she continues to have a cough. She also feels as though she has been more tired than usual. She had a similar episode of vision loss 2 years ago and had an MRI at that time. She has a family history of migraines and takes propranolol daily. On swinging light test there is decreased constriction of the left pupil relative to the right pupil. You repeat the MRI and note enhancing lesions in the left optic nerve. Which of the following is used to prevent progression of this condition?

A 68-year-old woman comes to the physician for a follow-up examination. Three months ago, she underwent heart transplantation for restrictive cardiomyopathy and was started on transplant rejection prophylaxis. Her pulse is 76/min and blood pressure is 148/82 mm Hg. Physical examination shows enlargement of the gum tissue. There is a well-healed scar on her chest. Serum studies show hyperlipidemia. The physician recommends removing a drug that decreases T cell activation by inhibiting the transcription of interleukin-2 from the patient's treatment regimen and replacing it with a different medication. Which of the following drugs is the most likely cause of the adverse effects seen in this patient?

A 53-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician with complaints of pain and swelling in her hands and fingers. She states that she has had these symptoms since she was in her 20s, but they have recently become more severe. She states that her wedding ring no longer fits, due to increased swelling of her fingers. She is a 30-pack-year smoker with a body mass index (BMI) of 31 kg/m2. The vital signs include: blood pressure 122/78 mm Hg, heart rate 72/min, and respiratory rate 15/min. On physical exam, a mild systolic murmur is heard over the apex, and her lungs are clear bilaterally. There is swelling of all the digits bilaterally, and a yellow-white plaque is noted beneath 3 of her nail beds. When asked about the plaques, she states that she was given itraconazole for them about 3 weeks ago; however, the plaques did not resolve. When asked further about joint pain, she notes that she has had shoulder and knee pain for the last several years, although she has not sought medical care for this. Which of the following is the best initial step in this patient’s therapeutic management?

A 53-year-old woman presents to her primary care provider complaining of fatigue for the last several months. She reports feeling tired all day, regardless of her quality or quantity of sleep. On further questioning, she has also noted constipation and a 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight gain. She denies shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, or blood in her stool. At the doctor’s office, the vital signs include: pulse 58/min, blood pressure 104/68 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation 98% on room air. The physical exam shows only slightly dry skin. The complete blood count (CBC) is within normal limits. Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of this patient's condition?

A 42-year-old woman presents complaining of pain in her hands. She reports that the pain is in both hands, and that it is usually worse in the morning. She reports that her hands are also stiff in the morning, but that this gradually improves throughout the morning. She notes, however, that her symptoms seem to be getting worse over the last three months. What is the most likely pathogenesis of her disease process?