title: InforMatrix: treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using biologicals.
abstract: This article offers an interactive decision matrix technique (InforMatrix), in which a group of experts in rheumatology determine an order of merit within the various biologicals used for rheumatoid arthritis. In this order of merit, six criteria (efficacy, safety, tolerance, ease of use, applicability and costs) are weighed against each other. Data necessary for this weighing process are derived from both literature, as well as clinical practice experience. This article provides an overview of the most relevant clinical trials on the biologicals, as well as a description of the interactive decision matrix technique. Using this interactive matrix technique makes rational consideration of the treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis possible.
authors.affiliation: Sint Maartenskliniek, Herngstdalseweg 3, 6522JV Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Bart J F
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: van den Bemt
authors.forename: Frank H J
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: van den Hoogen
authors.forename: Ferdinand C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Breedveld
authors.forename: Hille
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van der Tempel
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Janknegt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D001688:Biological Products