Management of refractory rheumatoid arthritis.
Based on the results of a MEDLINE search (1992-1997), the term 'refractory rheumatoid arthritis' (refractory RA) is ill-defined, in terms of both patient characterization and description of previous treatments. Current strategies of management of refractory RA include increasing disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug dosage above standard dosage regimens, using combination therapy, and adding or increasing the dosage of corticosteroids. Options for further strategies include target-oriented biological agents (e.g. anti-tumour necrosis factor), gene therapy, stem-cell treatment and oral tolerance induction.
van de Putte
L B
LB
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Nijmegen St Radboud, The Netherlands.
Kroot
E J
EJ
van Riel
P L
PL
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D017211:Treatment Failure