Biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints and periarticular soft tissues. In the past two decades, the discovery of new biomarkers has contributed to advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of RA. These biomarkers, including genetic, clinical, serological and imaging biomarkers, play a key role in the different stages and aspects of RA, from the so called ‘pre-clinical RA’, which is characterized by subclinical pathological events, such as autoimmunity and inflammation, to diagnosis (including differential diagnosis), treatment decision making and disease monitoring. This review will provide an overview on the current role of traditional and newer biomarkers in the main aspects of RA management, from the identification of individuals ‘at-risk’ of RA who are likely to progress to clinically evident disease, to ‘early’ diagnosis of RA, prognosis, precision medicine, and prediction of response to treatment.