General principles for treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The main goals of the treatment of a patient with RA are: to reduce pain, joint swelling and constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, to improve joint function, stop progression of bonecartilage damage, prevent disabilities and reduce morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the therapeutic concept of early RA (first 12 months of symptoms) has undergone major changes. Three aspects in particular have become the basis of the new treatment paradigm: early diagnosis, immediate beginning of Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs therapy (DMARD) and strict control of the inflammatory activity. In this article, the authors review the general principles of management of patients with early RA.