South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 updated guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis
The management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy, together with lifestyle interventions, particularly smoking cessation. These guidelines recommend a treat-to-target strategy using a composite disease activity score at each visit, with fr...
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Main Authors: | , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
South African Medical Association
2024-09-01
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Series: | South African Medical Journal |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/2598 |
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Summary: | The management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy, together with lifestyle interventions, particularly smoking cessation. These guidelines recommend a treat-to-target strategy using a composite disease activity score at each visit, with frequent follow-up and escalation or switching of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy until the goal of low disease activity is achieved. A stepwise algorithm for DMARD therapy is provided. Screening for comorbidities and vaccination is advised.
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ISSN: | 0256-9574 2078-5135 |