title: [The goal for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis should be remission].
abstract: Early diagnosis is the cornerstone for a successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The Finnish way is to start early using the combination of three disease modifying drugs (methotrexate, sulphasalazine, hydroxychloroquine) and a low dose of glucocorticoid (FIN-RACo strategy) aiming at remission. A tight control of disease activity and flexible adjustment of drug therapy are needed using local joint injections, as well. In severe disease with insufficient treatment response, the new biologicals are indicated before marked joint damages occur.
authors.affiliation: Turun yliopisto ja TYKS, Preitilä.
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Möttönen
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mäkinen
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Puolakka
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005387:Finland; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D012460:Sulfasalazine; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine; D008727:Methotrexate