Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Concepts

Abstract

Summary

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic destructive disorder of joints. It also has systemic manifestations. The variety of the features and the variability of the course suggest a number of factors in its aetiology. These factors include the genetic background, one or more environmental factors, localization within the synovium and perpetuation of the inflammatory process.

Résumé

RésuméLa polyarthrite rhumatoïde est une maladie chronique qui détériore les articulations et présente des manifestations systémiques. La diversité de ses caractéristiques et la variabilité de son évolution laissent suggérer un certain nombre de facteurs étiologiques. Ces facteurs comprennent le passé génétique, un facteur d'environnement ou plus, la localisation dans la synoviale et la préservation du processus inflammatoire.

Zusammenfassung

Arthritis Rheumatica ist eine chronische zerstörende Erkrankung der Gelenke. Sie hat jedoch auch systemische Erscheinungen. Die Verschiedenheit der Manifestationen und die ungleiche Art des Verlaufs deuten auf eine Anzahl von Faktoren in ihrer Ätiologie. Diese Faktoren beinhalten den genetischen Hintergrund, einen oder mehrere Umweltfaktoren. Lokalisierung innerhalb des Synoviums und die ständige Fortsetzung des Entzündungsprozesses.

Key Words:

• Epstein-Barr virus
• Immune complex disease
• Immunogenetics
• Infection
• Lymphocytes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatoid factor

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Graham R. V. Hughes

It is with great sadness that we have to inform the readership of the Journal that shortly after completing the final editorial work on this Special Issue, Professor Kalman Jacob Mann was seriously injured in a car accident and subsequently died.

Professor Mann was responsible for establishing the two Hadassah Hospitals and Community Health Centres in Jerusalem and for the past 20 years headed the Presidium of Yad Sarah, Israel's largest community based, volunteer operated organization which provides a spectrum of free or nominal cost home care services nation-wide.

We offer our condolences to his family and friends, and trust that this Special Issue stands as a testament to his work in the field.