Korean J Intern Med.  2012 Dec;27(4):378-387.

Recent Paradigm Shifts in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Jung YO
• Kim HA

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive inflammatory disease with severe symptoms of pain and stiffness. Chronic persistent inflammation of RA often leads to joint destruction, deformity and limitation of function, which ultimately results in significant deterioration of quality of life (QoL). RA is characterized pathogenetically by immunologically driven, chronic synovitis, and production of autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. Although the cause of RA is yet unknown, advances in the molecular biology led to in-depth understanding of its pathogenesis, and have fostered the recent development of novel treatments. The last decade has seen the dramatic change in the landscape of RA treatment with more aggressive therapy early in the disease course and with treatment guided by a structured assessment of disease activity, with the ultimate goal of reaching remission. In addition, prevention and control of joint damage and improvement in QoL are important goals. To achieve these goals, a multidisciplinary approach to reduce disease activity with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and biological therapy is needed. We also need to find ways to identify those patients who are at risk for more rapid disease progression who would benefit from intensive therapy early in the course of disease.

Keyword

Rheumatoid arthritis; Diagnosis; Therapeutics

MeSH Terms

Antibodies
Antirheumatic Agents
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Autoantibodies
Biological Therapy
Congenital Abnormalities
Disease Progression
Humans
Inflammation
Joints
Molecular Biology
Quality of Life
Rheumatoid Factor
Synovitis
Antibodies
Antirheumatic Agents
Autoantibodies
Rheumatoid Factor