Therapeutic Strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

A better understanding of the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, together with influential trials aimed at treating early stages of the disease, has altered therapy. This article considers approaches that have resulted in markedly better clinical outcomes, including early diagnosis and treatment; the advent of combinations of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and agents that target cytokines; and recognition and treatment of important coexisting conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.