[New classification criteria of chronic polyarthritis]

The criteria for the classification of the rheumatoid arthritis were defined more precisely, reduced and simplified in 1987 by the American Rheumatism Association. The more detailed specification was achieved at the cost of sensitivity. We find the revision positive as the classification criteria are supposed to mainly serve the purpose of systematic organisation and as a base for multicentered studies. Only then they can give a little help in diagnostic orientation. Never the criteria can take the place of the individual differential diagnosis and the observation of the development of the disease.