Reumatoïde artritis nog vroeger herkennen en behandelen?

Abstract

Van Schaardenburg D, Van der Horst-Bruinsma IE. Earlier recognition and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? Huisarts Wet 2007;50(1):16-8.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently leads to functional decline and a shorter lifespan if intensive treatment is not applied. The combination of early recognition and modern medication has considerably reduced the prevalence of severe joint damage in recent years. It is now known that the occurrence of polyarthritis is often preceded by a long preclinical phase characterised by the presence in the blood of RA-specific autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, sometimes in combination with joint pain or stiffness. Current studies should answer the question as to whether the active search for persons at risk and still earlier treatment can lead to the primary prevention of this disease.