[University contribution to implementation of the treat-to-target concept in rheumatology]

Following similar examples for diabetes mellitus and hypertension an attempt was made to establish a treat-to-target (T2T) program for rheumatic diseases in order to improve the course of the disease. Nevertheless, it is a factum that rheumatology, a recognized discipline in internal medicine, was not represented in university clinics corresponding to its scientific, clinical and socioeconomic importance. On the question how rheumatology in university clinics can contribute to the implementation of a T2T program, several aspects have to be considered. These include improvement in training and further education, establishment of clinical scientific core topics, formulation of guidelines, initiation of controlled studies, establishment of long-term cohorts and the incorporation of pathogenetic and therapeutic information in international networks and national symposia.