title: My treatment approach to rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The past decade has brought important advances in the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and its management and treatment. New classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis, better definitions of treatment outcome and remission, and the introduction of biologic response-modifying drugs designed to inhibit the inflammatory process have greatly altered the approach to managing this disease. More aggressive management of rheumatoid arthritis early after diagnosis and throughout the course of the disease has resulted in improvement in patient functioning and quality of life, reduction in comorbid conditions, and enhanced survival.
authors: Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. davis.john4@mayo.edu
authors: John M
authors: JM
authors: Davis
authors: Eric L
authors: EL
authors: Matteson
mesh_terms: D000069594:Abatacept; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007596:Joints / Q000473:pathology*; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012074:Remission Induction; D000069283:Rituximab; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013585:Synovitis / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D007555:Isoxazoles; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D012460:Sulfasalazine; D000069283:Rituximab; D000069594:Abatacept; D000077339:Leflunomide; C502936:tocilizumab; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate