title: An introduction to rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: To understand the many forms of treatment available for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the variable responses to these therapies, one must appreciate the complexity of this disease, the role played by immune mechanisms in its initiation and perpetuation, and its natural history, including factors that may predict a good or bad outcome. This introduction to rheumatoid arthritis will focus briefly on each of these areas.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Zvaifler
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis