Guidelines for the drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Description of evidence collection methodA literature review of the scientific articles referenced in these guidelines was conducted with the MEDLINE database. The evidence search was based on real clinical scenarios, and the following keywords (MeSH terms) were used: Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Therapy (early OR late OR later OR time factors OR delay), Prognosis, Remission, Steroids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal, NSAIDs, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Piroxicam, COX-2, Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug OR DMARD, Methotrexate, Gold sodium, Leflunomide, Sulfasalazine, Hydroxychloroquine, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Adalimumab, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Infliximab, Golimumab, Rituximab, Tocilizumab and Abatacept.Grades of recommendation and strength of evidenceA:Most consistent experimental and observational studies.B:Less consistent experimental and observational studies.C:Case reports (uncontrolled studies).D.Opinion that is not substantiated by critical evaluation, based on consensus, physiological studies or animal models.ObjectiveThese guidelines aim to provide recommendations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil. Although North American and European guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis have been recently published, it is important to review the subject with regard to specific aspects of Brazilian reality. Thus, the ultimate purpose of the establishment of consensus guidelines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil is to provide an orientation and foundation for Brazilian rheumatologists with evidence from scientific studies and the experience of a committee of experts on the subject. Thus, therapeutic approaches to rheumatoid arthritis within the Brazilian socioeconomic context will be standardized, while physician autonomy will be maintained with regard to the indication/ selection of available treatment options.As knowledge in this scientific field progresses rapidly, we suggest biannual updates to these guidelines.