title: Rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia.
abstract: The status of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Saudi Arabia (SA) was examined from various perspectives based on a systematic literature review and the authors' personal experiences. In this regard, database and journal search were conducted to identify studies on RA in SA, yielding a total of 43 articles. Although efforts have been made to promote RA research in SA, current studies mostly represent only a few centers and may not accurately portray the national status of RA care. Notably, biological therapies were introduced early for almost all practicing rheumatologists in SA (government and private). However, no national guidelines regarding the management of RA have been developed based on local needs and regulations. Also, while efforts were made to establish RA data registries, they have not been successful. Taken together, this analysis can contribute to the planning of future guidelines and directives for RA care in SA.
authors.affiliation: Umm Alqura University, Department of Medicine, Medical College, PO Box 1821, Jeddah 21441, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Fax. +966 (12) 5501000 Ext. 4652. E-mail. hanialmoallim@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Hani M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Almoallim
authors.forename: Laila A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Alharbi
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D035843:Biomedical Research; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012042:Registries; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents