Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis criteria 2013

In Germany, around every third person suffers chronic joint pain from the age of 20 years onward, and every second person from the age of 40 ( 1).

The sequential introduction of DMARDs, including biological agents in non-responders, as part of a treat-to-target concept optimizes the long-term outcome, as has been demonstrated in clinical trials for periods of up to eight years. Life-threatening complications are rare.Д¬onclusion: Early diagnosis, intervention with DMARDs in the first three months of disease, and the achievement of a remission minimize the adverse sequelae of RA.

The risks associated with this form of treatment are low, with a dropout rate of less than 1 per 100 patient-years. Treatment by an interdisciplinary team promotes the achievement of this goal. Early, remission-oriented and adapted treatment with DMARDs (вЂњtreating to targetвЂќ) leads to several years of normal bodily function without disability in 40% to 60% of patients. Results: In patients presenting with joint inflammation, the diagnosis of RA can be directly confirmed (positive predictive value, 85% to 97%), and its prognosis assessed, on the basis of the following findings: joint examination, acute phase reaction, serology (rheumatoid factor, antibody against citrullinated peptides/proteins, and duration of symptoms (ACR/Eular classification criteria, 2010). Method: As part of the process of creating a new S3 guideline on the management of early RA and a new S1 guideline on stage-adapted pharmacotherapy for RA, the authors conducted a selective search and review of the literature and specifically updated it to 20 March 2013. The main considerations for persons with new-onset RA are early diagnosis, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), remission, and interdisciplinary treatment. Background: 0.5% to 0.8% of all adults suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis criteria 2013