Rheumatoid arthritis C. treatment and assessments

Abstract

The assessment of RA demands a careful history and examination, with a detailed joint count to determine disease activity. The level of clinical disease activity largely determines the need for therapy. DMARDs are central to the control of disease activity and resulting joint damage. The availability of an expanding array of DMARDs and biologics has created new opportunities to effectively intervene in this condition. The standard of care for RA continues to evolve with increasing evidence that persistent joint inflammation leads to irreversible damage and disability. As a result, combination DMARD regimens are being employed to afford optimal disease control in order to avert permanent joint injury. © 2008 Springer-Verlag New York.