[Rheumatoid Arthritis]

Rheumatoid Arthritis Abstract. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most frequent chronic inflammatory joint disease with a prevalence of approximately 1% worldwide. The pathogenesis is a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, which are still incompletely understood. The disease is characterized by a polyarticular synovitis with symmetrical involvement of small and large joints. The majority of patients has detectable autoantibodies in the serum, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies which are specific for RA. The uncontrolled chronic joint inflammation results in destructive changes of joint cartilage and bone. An early diagnosis and initiation of treatment is therefore of central importance. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) are able to inhibit joint destruction and should be started as soon as possible. Therapy should be targeted to reach a state of remission. The introduction of highly effective biologic and targeted synthetic DMARD has allowed to reach this goal of therapy in many patients and to prevent disability. However, risks of medication need to be considered, as well as comorbidities.