title: [Current treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].
abstract: Over the past 10 years, the management of rheumatoid arthritis has been revolutionized. Early diagnosis is essential and should allow an early initiation of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD), if possible within the first 3 three months after disease onset, aiming at disease remission and the best long-term prognosis. Recommendations for the prescription of synthetic and biologic DMARD (mainly anti-TNFalpha agents) are available since September 2007 [6] by HAS in France. The great efficacy of these drugs has been established from many clinical trials including tens of thousands of patients. However, severe adverse side effects may occur (allergy, tuberculosis, opportunistic infections, demyelination) and rheumatologists should remain vigilant. Global care of the patient includes prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments (education, physical treatment, ergotherapy, psychotherapy, surgery). A good coordination between all specialists is required. Screening and treatment of extra-articular manifestations, prevention of infections, osteoporosis and cardiovascular complications are essential to allow a better long-term prognosis, and reduce disability and mortality of rheumatoid arthritis.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine interne, HIA Sainte-Anne, boulevard Sainte-Anne, BP 20545, 83041 Toulon cedex 9, France. philippecarli@cegetel.net
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Landais
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aletti
authors.forename: J-M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cournac
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Poisnel
authors.forename: J-F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Paris
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents