title: Rheumatoid arthritis: A review.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with primary manifestations in the diarthrodial (movable) joints. Methotrexate in weekly doses is the most widely used disease modifying agent. The recent development of biologic agents designed to shut off disease activity can be of great benefit to individuals who fail methotrexate therapy. New treatments such as tumor necrosis factor suppressants are effective in up to 80% of patients. It is extremely important to diagnose RA in its earliest stages so that patients may benefit from antimetabolites and biologics before permanent joint damage takes place.
authors.affiliation: Antinuclear Antibody Laboratory, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: Sara E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Sriya K M
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Ranatunga
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000453:epidemiology