title: Advances in the medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Over the past 2 decades, the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been revolutionized by advances in the understanding of its pathologic mechanisms and the development of drugs that target them. These newer medications have shown great promise at improving disease outcomes, but they come with notable side effects that can pose long-term treatment challenges and difficulties in the perioperative arena. In this article, the major manifestations of RA and the current medical options for management are discussed. Complications from treatment are then reviewed, and special consideration is given to perioperative medication recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, 3918 Taubman Center, 1500 East Medical Center, SPC 5358, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5358, USA.
authors.forename: J Michelle
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kahlenberg
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents