South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 updated guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7196/Keywords:
Rheumatism, ArthritisAbstract
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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