Which of the following is an early systemic sign of rheumatoid arthritis?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an early systemic sign of rheumatoid arthritis?

Explanation:
Early systemic involvement in rheumatoid arthritis often shows up as a low-grade fever due to the inflammatory activity throughout the body. In RA, cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha circulate and drive both systemic symptoms and joint inflammation. While joint stiffness is a key feature, it reflects swelling and inflammation in the joints rather than a systemic sign. A localized rash isn’t typical of early RA, and nausea isn’t a characteristic early symptom. So a low-grade fever is the best example of an early systemic sign.

Early systemic involvement in rheumatoid arthritis often shows up as a low-grade fever due to the inflammatory activity throughout the body. In RA, cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha circulate and drive both systemic symptoms and joint inflammation. While joint stiffness is a key feature, it reflects swelling and inflammation in the joints rather than a systemic sign. A localized rash isn’t typical of early RA, and nausea isn’t a characteristic early symptom. So a low-grade fever is the best example of an early systemic sign.

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