[Diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis]

The paper describes the typical clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis and principles of its treatment. It includes an overview of the universally accepted diagnostic criteria and discusses the diagnostic value of laboratory and instrumental investigations. The significance of correct diagnosis in an early stage of the disease is emphasized with regard to the difficulties related to differential diagnosis. Appropriate evaluation of the inflammatory activity of rheumatoid arthritis and of the functional state of the patient is discussed. Contemporary principles of complex and individual treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, depending on the course of disease are presented, placing special emphasis on the importance of disease--modifying treatment. Possible side effects of NSAIDs and glucocorticosteroids and methods of their prevention are discussed, as well as indications for new biological medications.