title: Rheumatoid arthritis. Importance of early diagnosis in long-term outcome.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disorder that does not have the favorable outcome it was once thought to have. A detailed clinical history, thorough physical examination, and judicious use of serologic tests and radiologic studies should allow accurate diagnosis, even at an early stage. Traditional therapy can successfully improve short-term functional status but may not alter long-term outcome. Early, aggressive therapy may improve prognosis, but this approach must be further studied and, if attempted, should be done in consultation with a rheumatologist.
authors.affiliation: Section of Rheumatology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vikingsson
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Graziano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D012217:Rheumatoid Factor