Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: etanercept a recent advance.
OBJECTIVE
To review the specific mechanism of action of biologic response modifiers and help clinicians place these new drugs in the context of established therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
Review of scientific literature, including all the clinical trials for these drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Biologic response modifiers target key inflammatory events involved in joint destruction. They have the potential to revolutionize the management of RA.


CONCLUSIONS
Referral to a rheumatologist should be strongly considered as soon as the diagnosis of RA is made. Early referral to a specialist has been associated with improved health status for patients with RA due to early and aggressive therapy with these new agents.
Halin
J
J
jaylar@worldpath.net
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000068800:Etanercept; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D000068800:Etanercept