Damage control in rheumatoid arthritis

PREVIEW

Right from the onset, rheumatoid arthritis is an aggressive disease that can quickly alter joint structure and integrity. Such rapid pathogenesis requires that the diagnosis be established early and aggressive therapy initiated swiftly. In this article, Drs Issa and Ruderman describe what is known about the cause, progression, and outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis. They review the steps toward its diagnosis and urge that treatment be started promptly—to both contain disease and reduce joint destruction as soon as possible.