title: Current concepts in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The treatment of RA is complex and often frustrating. The pathologic process of RA is composed of acute inflammation, chronic immunologic phenomenon, and chronic connective tissue degradation. It is important to understand not only the pathophysiology of RA but also the mechanism of action of our therapeutic drugs so that treatment can be tailored to affect the important aspects of the process leading to end-organ damage. Despite the many drugs available, therapy is still unsatisfactory. Many drugs work in only certain patients. This could be secondary to variability in the disease state or to difference in drug metabolism. A better understanding of both disease and therapeutic agents may lead to better use of our present agents and development of new, more effective treatment modalities.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006046:Gold / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012459:Salicylates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000962:Antimalarials; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D012459:Salicylates; D006046:Gold; D010396:Penicillamine; D001241:Aspirin