[Rheumatoid arthritis (updated Current Care guideline)].
Anti-citrulline antibodies are highly specific to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are thus helpful in differential diagnosis. Early and aggressive disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy is essential for a positive treatment result in cases of RA. Remission during the 1st year of treatment predicts permanent remission, milder joint damage and better functional ability. It is recommended that patients with an unsatisfactory response to DMARDs, including methotrexate and a combination of DMARDs, should be treated primarily with TNF blockers, and non-responders with rituximab or abatacept. RA is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The assessment of cardiovascular risk must not be forgotten in daily practice.
Hakala
Markku
M
Hannonen
Pekka
P
Helve
Tapani
T
Korpela
Markku
M
Mattila
Kimmo
K
Möttönen
Timo
T
Varis
Tiina
T
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D002956:Citrulline / Q000276:immunology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D002956:Citrulline