Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis belongs to a number of autoimmune diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system, multisystemic tissue, and connective tissues. Although a range of autoimmune conditions carry a low prevalence, combined these diseases amount to a growing medical and economic burden. Additionally, autoimmune diseases are accounting for a growing cause of disability in the United States, Europe and worldwide.

Rheumatologists remain the most up-to-date health professionals in autoimmune disease treatment. Early intervention has been noted by nearly all in the field as the single most important factor in treatments and continued quality of life. New advancements in risk factors, diagnosis, and therapies have made it possible for rheumatologist to treat these conditions successfully with the best possible outcomes. Successful treatment of autoimmune diseases have resulted from a growing array of therapies available to specialists. Symptomatic treatments have traditionally been used or patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune disorders. While these treatments are still used regularly, new disease-modifying therapies have produced the most impressive results in treating these diseases. Additionally, combination therapies continue to grow in preference and offer exciting results in disease management.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease. In the United States, approximately a single percent of the population is affected. Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men, with peak incidence between the fourth and sixth decades. Gender difference disappears in older age. Rheumatoid arthritis affects all races, and its prevalence is not affected by climate. Eighty percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients test rheumatoid factor (RF) positive.