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Rheumatoid arthritis: a primary care approach
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregan Health Sciences University, Portland, Ore., USA. browninm@ohsu.edu
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
|April 5, 2002
Summary
Primary care providers can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using clinical examination and specific criteria, enabling early referral. Aggressive treatment is key, and lab tests aren't essential for RA diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting synovial joints.
- Early recognition and management are crucial for patients with RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide primary care providers with guidelines for evaluating, diagnosing, and managing rheumatoid arthritis.
- To facilitate early referral of RA patients to rheumatologists.
Main Methods:
- Review of research-based articles and clinical practice guidelines.
- Utilizing established diagnostic criteria, such as those from the American Rheumatism Association.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of RA relies mainly on clinical examination.
- Clinical criteria aid primary care providers in identifying RA.
- Rheumatoid factor testing is most useful in patients with high clinical suspicion for RA.
Conclusions:
- Early and aggressive treatment is recommended for patients diagnosed with RA.
- Laboratory tests are not essential for confirming RA diagnosis.
- Clinical assessment is paramount for RA diagnosis and timely rheumatologist referral.