Management of rheumatoid arthritis: Review of current guidelines

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory polyarthritis of small and large joints, can cause significant disability and discomfort. Significant advances in its diagnosis and management have taken place in the last 20 years. Besides early diagnosis, these advances include early institution of disease modifying therapy with a goal of “treat to target”, frequent assessments of disease activity to gauge control, consideration for and introduction of alternative or additive disease modifying therapeutic agents in case of inadequate or persistent disease activity. Growing recognition of therapeutic targets and thus agents for rheumatoid arthritis has significantly improved its course, as well as its short and long-term outcomes. This paper will review updates and current guidelines for management of rheumatoid arthritis.