title: The role of biomarkers in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: In recent years, patient outcomes have improved dramatically with the availability of effective treatments for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA, however, is a heterogeneous disease with variable disease progression and treatment response. Whereas some patients respond to a single disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, others require more intensive treatment strategies. Assessing disease severity at diagnosis and monitoring disease activity on an individual level would be a more accurate way of tailoring therapy, ensuring optimal treatment for those at greatest risk of disease progression, long-term disability, and joint damage without unnecessary overtreatment. Assessment of disease activity and severity is currently based on a combination of clinical and laboratory parameters that aid treatment decisions. Use of biomarkers may provide a more accurate means of objectively assessing the disease. This article reviews the role of biomarkers in the management of RA.
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Musculoskeletal Diseases, 2nd Floor Chapel Allerton Hospital, Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4SA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Edith
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Villeneuve
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Emery
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D057285:Precision Medicine; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers