Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Modern Rheumatology 3/2008

Open Access 01-06-2008 | Review Article

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a global perspective on the use of antirheumatic drugs

Authors: Tuulikki Sokka, Minja Envalds, Theodore Pincus

Published in: Modern Rheumatology | Issue 3/2008

Login to get access

Abstract

Modern therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is based on knowledge of the severity of the natural history of the disease. RA patients are approached with early and aggressive treatment strategies, methotrexate as an anchor drug, biological targeted therapies in those with inadequate response to methotrexate, and “tight control,” aiming for remission and low disease activity according to quantitative monitoring. This chapter presents a rationale for current treatment strategies for RA with antirheumatic drugs, a review of published reports concerning treatments in clinical cohorts outside of clinical trials, and current treatments at 61 sites in 21 countries in the QUEST-RA database.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Kelley WN, Harris ED Jr, Ruddy S, Sledge CB. Textbook of Rheumatology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W.B.Saunders; 1985. Kelley WN, Harris ED Jr, Ruddy S, Sledge CB. Textbook of Rheumatology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W.B.Saunders; 1985.
2.
go back to reference Short CL, Bauer W. The course of rheumatoid arthritis in patients receiving simple medical and orthopedic measures. N Engl J Med. 1948;238:142–8.PubMed Short CL, Bauer W. The course of rheumatoid arthritis in patients receiving simple medical and orthopedic measures. N Engl J Med. 1948;238:142–8.PubMed
3.
go back to reference Pincus T, Callahan LF, Sale WG, Brooks AL, Payne LE, Vaughn WK. Severe functional declines, work disability, and increased mortality in seventy-five rheumatoid arthritis patients studied over nine years. Arthritis Rheum. 1984;27:864–72.PubMedCrossRef Pincus T, Callahan LF, Sale WG, Brooks AL, Payne LE, Vaughn WK. Severe functional declines, work disability, and increased mortality in seventy-five rheumatoid arthritis patients studied over nine years. Arthritis Rheum. 1984;27:864–72.PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Scott DL, Grindulis KA, Struthers GR, Coulton BL, Popert AJ, Bacon PA. Progression of radiological changes in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1984;43:8–17.PubMed Scott DL, Grindulis KA, Struthers GR, Coulton BL, Popert AJ, Bacon PA. Progression of radiological changes in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1984;43:8–17.PubMed
5.
go back to reference Yelin E, Meenan R, Nevitt M, Epstein W. Work disability in rheumatoid arthritis: effects of disease, social, and work factors. Ann Intern Med. 1980;93:551–6.PubMed Yelin E, Meenan R, Nevitt M, Epstein W. Work disability in rheumatoid arthritis: effects of disease, social, and work factors. Ann Intern Med. 1980;93:551–6.PubMed
6.
go back to reference Wilske KR, Healey LA. Remodeling the pyramid—a concept whose time has come. J Rheumatol. 1989;16:565–7.PubMed Wilske KR, Healey LA. Remodeling the pyramid—a concept whose time has come. J Rheumatol. 1989;16:565–7.PubMed
7.
go back to reference Fries JF. Reevaluating the therapeutic approach to rheumatoid arthritis: the “sawtooth” strategy. J Rheumatol. 1990;17 Suppl 22:12–5. Fries JF. Reevaluating the therapeutic approach to rheumatoid arthritis: the “sawtooth” strategy. J Rheumatol. 1990;17 Suppl 22:12–5.
8.
go back to reference Emery P, Salmon M. Early rheumatoid arthritis: time to aim for remission? Ann Rheum Dis. 1995;54:944–7.PubMed Emery P, Salmon M. Early rheumatoid arthritis: time to aim for remission? Ann Rheum Dis. 1995;54:944–7.PubMed
9.
go back to reference Luukkainen R, Kajander A, Isomäki H. Effect of gold on progression of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis: better results with early treatment. Scand J Rheumatol. 1977;6:189–92.PubMedCrossRef Luukkainen R, Kajander A, Isomäki H. Effect of gold on progression of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis: better results with early treatment. Scand J Rheumatol. 1977;6:189–92.PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Luukkainen R, Kajander A, Isomäki H. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (letter). Br Med J. 1978;2:1501.PubMed Luukkainen R, Kajander A, Isomäki H. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (letter). Br Med J. 1978;2:1501.PubMed
11.
go back to reference Pincus T, Gibofsky A, Weinblatt ME. Urgent care and tight control of rheumatoid arthritis as in diabetes and hypertension: better treatments but a shortage of rheumatologists. Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46(4):851–4.PubMedCrossRef Pincus T, Gibofsky A, Weinblatt ME. Urgent care and tight control of rheumatoid arthritis as in diabetes and hypertension: better treatments but a shortage of rheumatologists. Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46(4):851–4.PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Kellgren JH, Bier F. Radiological signs of rheumatoid arthritis: a study of observer differences in the reading of hand films. Ann Rheum Dis. 1956;15:55–60.PubMedCrossRef Kellgren JH, Bier F. Radiological signs of rheumatoid arthritis: a study of observer differences in the reading of hand films. Ann Rheum Dis. 1956;15:55–60.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Lawrence JS, Bennett PH. Benign polyarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1960;19:20–30.PubMed Lawrence JS, Bennett PH. Benign polyarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1960;19:20–30.PubMed
14.
go back to reference Mikkelsen WM, Dodge H. A four year follow-up of suspected rheumatoid arthritis: the Tecumseh, Michigan, community health study. Arthritis Rheum. 1969;12:87–91.PubMedCrossRef Mikkelsen WM, Dodge H. A four year follow-up of suspected rheumatoid arthritis: the Tecumseh, Michigan, community health study. Arthritis Rheum. 1969;12:87–91.PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference O’Sullivan JB, Cathcart ES. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis: follow-up evaluation of the effect of criteria on rates in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Ann Intern Med. 1972;76:573–7.PubMed O’Sullivan JB, Cathcart ES. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis: follow-up evaluation of the effect of criteria on rates in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Ann Intern Med. 1972;76:573–7.PubMed
16.
go back to reference Nissilä M, Isomäki H, Kaarela K, Kiviniemi P, Martio J, Sarna S. Prognosis of inflammatory joint diseases. A three-year follow-up study. Scand J Rheumatol. 1983;12:33–8.PubMedCrossRef Nissilä M, Isomäki H, Kaarela K, Kiviniemi P, Martio J, Sarna S. Prognosis of inflammatory joint diseases. A three-year follow-up study. Scand J Rheumatol. 1983;12:33–8.PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Scott DL, Symmons DP, Coulton BL, Popert AJ. Long-term outcome of treating rheumatoid arthritis: Results after 20 years. Lancet. 1987;16:1108–11.CrossRef Scott DL, Symmons DP, Coulton BL, Popert AJ. Long-term outcome of treating rheumatoid arthritis: Results after 20 years. Lancet. 1987;16:1108–11.CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Symmons DPM, Hazes JMW, Silman AJ. Cases of early inflammatory polyarthritis should not be classified as having rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2003;30:902–4.PubMed Symmons DPM, Hazes JMW, Silman AJ. Cases of early inflammatory polyarthritis should not be classified as having rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2003;30:902–4.PubMed
20.
go back to reference Allbutt T, Rolleston H. A system of medicine. London: Macmillan, 1907. Allbutt T, Rolleston H. A system of medicine. London: Macmillan, 1907.
21.
go back to reference Arnett FC, Edworthy SM, Bloch DA, McShane DJ, Fries JF, Cooper NS, et al. The American Rheumatism Association 1987 revised criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1988;31:315–24.PubMedCrossRef Arnett FC, Edworthy SM, Bloch DA, McShane DJ, Fries JF, Cooper NS, et al. The American Rheumatism Association 1987 revised criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1988;31:315–24.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Harrison BJ, Symmons DPM, Barrett EM, Silman AJ. The performance of the 1987 ARA classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis in a population based cohort of patients with early inflammatory polyarthritis. J Rheumatol. 1998;25:2324–30.PubMed Harrison BJ, Symmons DPM, Barrett EM, Silman AJ. The performance of the 1987 ARA classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis in a population based cohort of patients with early inflammatory polyarthritis. J Rheumatol. 1998;25:2324–30.PubMed
23.
go back to reference Saraux A, Berthelot JM, Chalès G, Le Henaff C, Thorel JB, Hoang S, et al. Ability of the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria to predict rheumatoid arthritis in patients with early arthritis and classification of these patients two years later. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(11):2485–91.PubMedCrossRef Saraux A, Berthelot JM, Chalès G, Le Henaff C, Thorel JB, Hoang S, et al. Ability of the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria to predict rheumatoid arthritis in patients with early arthritis and classification of these patients two years later. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(11):2485–91.PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Wolfe F, Michaud K. The clinical and research significance of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. J Rheumatol. 1994;21:1227–37.PubMed Wolfe F, Michaud K. The clinical and research significance of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. J Rheumatol. 1994;21:1227–37.PubMed
25.
go back to reference Pincus T, Sokka T. Prevalence of normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on presentation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at two rheumatology settings, one in the US and the other in Finland: Is a patient questionnaire a better quantitative measure of clinical severity? Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52(9):S127. Pincus T, Sokka T. Prevalence of normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on presentation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at two rheumatology settings, one in the US and the other in Finland: Is a patient questionnaire a better quantitative measure of clinical severity? Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52(9):S127.
26.
go back to reference Pincus T, Callahan LF. The ‘side effects’ of rheumatoid arthritis: Joint destruction, disability and early mortality. Br J Rheumatol. 1993;32(suppl 1):28–37.PubMed Pincus T, Callahan LF. The ‘side effects’ of rheumatoid arthritis: Joint destruction, disability and early mortality. Br J Rheumatol. 1993;32(suppl 1):28–37.PubMed
27.
go back to reference van Dongen H, van Aken J, Lard LR, Ronday H.K, Hulsmans H.M.J., Speyer I, et al. Efficacy of methotrexate treatment in patients with probable rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56:1424–32.PubMedCrossRef van Dongen H, van Aken J, Lard LR, Ronday H.K, Hulsmans H.M.J., Speyer I, et al. Efficacy of methotrexate treatment in patients with probable rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56:1424–32.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Möttönen T, Hannonen P, Korpela M, Nissilä M, Kautiainen H, Ilonen J, et al. Delay to institution of therapy and induction of remission using single-drug or combination-disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46(4):894–8.PubMedCrossRef Möttönen T, Hannonen P, Korpela M, Nissilä M, Kautiainen H, Ilonen J, et al. Delay to institution of therapy and induction of remission using single-drug or combination-disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46(4):894–8.PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Puolakka K, Kautiainen H, Mottonen T, Hannonen P, Korpela M, Hakala M, et al. Early suppression of disease activity is essential for maintenance of work capacity in patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis: five-year experience from the FIN-RACo trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52(1):36–41.PubMedCrossRef Puolakka K, Kautiainen H, Mottonen T, Hannonen P, Korpela M, Hakala M, et al. Early suppression of disease activity is essential for maintenance of work capacity in patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis: five-year experience from the FIN-RACo trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52(1):36–41.PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Grigor C, Capell H, Stirling A, McMahon AD, Lock P, Vallance R, et al. Effect of a treatment strategy of tight control for rheumatoid arthritis (the TICORA study): a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2004;364:263–9.PubMedCrossRef Grigor C, Capell H, Stirling A, McMahon AD, Lock P, Vallance R, et al. Effect of a treatment strategy of tight control for rheumatoid arthritis (the TICORA study): a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2004;364:263–9.PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Paulus HE. Defining remission in rheumatoid arthritis: what is it? does it matter? J Rheumatol. 2004;31(1):1–4.PubMed Paulus HE. Defining remission in rheumatoid arthritis: what is it? does it matter? J Rheumatol. 2004;31(1):1–4.PubMed
32.
go back to reference Combe B, Landewe R, Lukas C, Bolosiu HD, Breedveld F, Dougados M, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis: report of a task force of the European Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(1):34–45.PubMedCrossRef Combe B, Landewe R, Lukas C, Bolosiu HD, Breedveld F, Dougados M, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis: report of a task force of the European Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(1):34–45.PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Pincus T, Yazici Y, Sokka T, Aletaha D, Smolen JS. Methotrexate as the “anchor drug” for the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S179–85.PubMed Pincus T, Yazici Y, Sokka T, Aletaha D, Smolen JS. Methotrexate as the “anchor drug” for the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S179–85.PubMed
34.
35.
go back to reference Pincus T, Marcum SB, Callahan LF. Long-term drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis in seven rheumatology private practices: II. Second-line drugs and prednisone. J Rheumatol. 1992;19:1885–94.PubMed Pincus T, Marcum SB, Callahan LF. Long-term drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis in seven rheumatology private practices: II. Second-line drugs and prednisone. J Rheumatol. 1992;19:1885–94.PubMed
36.
go back to reference Wolfe F, Hawley DJ, Cathey MA. Termination of slow acting anti-rheumatic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: A 14-year prospective evaluation of 1017 consecutive starts. J Rheumatol. 1990;17:994–1002.PubMed Wolfe F, Hawley DJ, Cathey MA. Termination of slow acting anti-rheumatic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: A 14-year prospective evaluation of 1017 consecutive starts. J Rheumatol. 1990;17:994–1002.PubMed
37.
go back to reference Leirisalo-Repo M, Mottonen THP, Korpela M, Kauppi M, Kaipiainen-Seppanen O, Luosujarvi R et al. Does addition of infliximab to triple DMARD plus prednisolone therapy increase rate of remissions in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis? A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Arthritis Rheum; 2006:54(9 Suppl). Leirisalo-Repo M, Mottonen THP, Korpela M, Kauppi M, Kaipiainen-Seppanen O, Luosujarvi R et al. Does addition of infliximab to triple DMARD plus prednisolone therapy increase rate of remissions in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis? A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Arthritis Rheum; 2006:54(9 Suppl).
38.
go back to reference Sokka T, Hannonen P, Mottonen T. Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in early arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin N Am. 2005;31(4):729–44.CrossRef Sokka T, Hannonen P, Mottonen T. Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in early arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin N Am. 2005;31(4):729–44.CrossRef
39.
go back to reference Miyasaka N, Koike R. Treatment guidelines for the use of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis; present and future. Nippon Rinsho. 2007;65(7):1169–78. Miyasaka N, Koike R. Treatment guidelines for the use of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis; present and future. Nippon Rinsho. 2007;65(7):1169–78.
40.
go back to reference Bergstrom U, Book C, Lindroth Y, Marsal L, Saxne T, Jacobsson L. Lower disease activity and disability in Swedish patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 1995 compared with 1978. Scand J Rheumatol. 1999;28:160–5.PubMedCrossRef Bergstrom U, Book C, Lindroth Y, Marsal L, Saxne T, Jacobsson L. Lower disease activity and disability in Swedish patients with rheumatoid arthritis in 1995 compared with 1978. Scand J Rheumatol. 1999;28:160–5.PubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Pincus T, Sokka T, Kautiainen H. Patients seen for standard rheumatoid arthritis care have significantly better articular, radiographic, laboratory, and functional status in 2000 than in 1985. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:1009–19.PubMedCrossRef Pincus T, Sokka T, Kautiainen H. Patients seen for standard rheumatoid arthritis care have significantly better articular, radiographic, laboratory, and functional status in 2000 than in 1985. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:1009–19.PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Sokka T, Möttönen T, Hannonen P. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug use according to the ‘sawtooth’ treatment strategy improves the functional outcome in rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a long-term follow-up study with review of the literature. Rheumatology. 2000;39:34–42.PubMedCrossRef Sokka T, Möttönen T, Hannonen P. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug use according to the ‘sawtooth’ treatment strategy improves the functional outcome in rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a long-term follow-up study with review of the literature. Rheumatology. 2000;39:34–42.PubMedCrossRef
43.
go back to reference Krishnan E, Fries JF. Reduction in long-term functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis from 1977 to 1998: a longitudinal study of 3035 patients. Am J Med. 2003;115:371–6.PubMedCrossRef Krishnan E, Fries JF. Reduction in long-term functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis from 1977 to 1998: a longitudinal study of 3035 patients. Am J Med. 2003;115:371–6.PubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Heiberg T, Finset A, Uhlig T, Kvien TK. Seven year changes in health status and priorities for improvement of health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005;64:191–5.PubMedCrossRef Heiberg T, Finset A, Uhlig T, Kvien TK. Seven year changes in health status and priorities for improvement of health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005;64:191–5.PubMedCrossRef
45.
go back to reference Sokka TM, Kaarela K, Möttönen TT, Hannonen PJ. Conventional monotherapy compared to a “sawtooth” treatment strategy in the radiographic procession of rheumatoid arthritis over the first eight years. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1999;17:527–32.PubMed Sokka TM, Kaarela K, Möttönen TT, Hannonen PJ. Conventional monotherapy compared to a “sawtooth” treatment strategy in the radiographic procession of rheumatoid arthritis over the first eight years. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1999;17:527–32.PubMed
46.
go back to reference Sokka T, Kautiainen H, Häkkinen K, Hannonen P. Radiographic progression is getting milder in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Results of 3 cohorts over 5 years. J Rheumatol. 2004;31:1073–82.PubMed Sokka T, Kautiainen H, Häkkinen K, Hannonen P. Radiographic progression is getting milder in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Results of 3 cohorts over 5 years. J Rheumatol. 2004;31:1073–82.PubMed
47.
go back to reference Sokka T, Kautiainen H, Hannonen P. Stable occurrence of knee and hip total joint replacement in Central Finland between 1986 and 2003: an indication of improved long-term outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(3):341–4.PubMedCrossRef Sokka T, Kautiainen H, Hannonen P. Stable occurrence of knee and hip total joint replacement in Central Finland between 1986 and 2003: an indication of improved long-term outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(3):341–4.PubMedCrossRef
48.
go back to reference Krause D, Schleusser B, Herborn G, Rau R. Response to methotrexate treatment is associated with reduced mortality in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2000;43:14–21.PubMedCrossRef Krause D, Schleusser B, Herborn G, Rau R. Response to methotrexate treatment is associated with reduced mortality in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2000;43:14–21.PubMedCrossRef
49.
go back to reference Choi HK, Hernán MA, Seeger JD, Robins JM, Wolfe F. Methotrexate and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study. Lancet. 2002;359:1173–7.PubMedCrossRef Choi HK, Hernán MA, Seeger JD, Robins JM, Wolfe F. Methotrexate and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study. Lancet. 2002;359:1173–7.PubMedCrossRef
50.
go back to reference Silman A, Davies P, Currey HLF, Evans SJW. Is rheumatoid arthritis becoming less severe? J Chronic Dis. 1983;36:891–7.PubMedCrossRef Silman A, Davies P, Currey HLF, Evans SJW. Is rheumatoid arthritis becoming less severe? J Chronic Dis. 1983;36:891–7.PubMedCrossRef
51.
go back to reference Aho K, Tuomi T, Palosuo T, Kaarela K, von Essen R, Isomaki H. Is seropositive rheumatoid arthritis becoming less severe? Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1989;7:287–90.PubMed Aho K, Tuomi T, Palosuo T, Kaarela K, von Essen R, Isomaki H. Is seropositive rheumatoid arthritis becoming less severe? Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1989;7:287–90.PubMed
52.
go back to reference Sokka T, Kautiainen H, Toloza S, Makinen H, Verstappen SM, Lund HM, et al. QUEST-RA: quantitative clinical assessment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis seen in standard rheumatology care in 15 countries. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(11):1491–6.PubMedCrossRef Sokka T, Kautiainen H, Toloza S, Makinen H, Verstappen SM, Lund HM, et al. QUEST-RA: quantitative clinical assessment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis seen in standard rheumatology care in 15 countries. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(11):1491–6.PubMedCrossRef
53.
go back to reference Aletaha D, Smolen JS. The rheumatoid arthritis patient in the clinic: comparing more than 1300 consecutive DMARD courses. Rheum. 2002;41:1367–74.CrossRef Aletaha D, Smolen JS. The rheumatoid arthritis patient in the clinic: comparing more than 1300 consecutive DMARD courses. Rheum. 2002;41:1367–74.CrossRef
54.
go back to reference Jobanputra P, Wilson J, Douglas K, Burls A. A survey of British rheumatologists’ DMARD preferences for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology. 2003;42:1–5.CrossRef Jobanputra P, Wilson J, Douglas K, Burls A. A survey of British rheumatologists’ DMARD preferences for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology. 2003;42:1–5.CrossRef
55.
go back to reference Hider SL, Silman AJ, Bunn D, Manning S, Symmons DP, Lunt M. Comparing the long-term clinical outcome between methotrexte and sulfasalazine prescribed as the first DMARD in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006; 65(11):1449–55.PubMedCrossRef Hider SL, Silman AJ, Bunn D, Manning S, Symmons DP, Lunt M. Comparing the long-term clinical outcome between methotrexte and sulfasalazine prescribed as the first DMARD in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006; 65(11):1449–55.PubMedCrossRef
56.
go back to reference Welsing PMJ, Fransen J, van Riel PLCM. Is the disease course of rheumatoid arthritis becoming milder? Time trends since 1985 in an inception cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:2616–24.PubMedCrossRef Welsing PMJ, Fransen J, van Riel PLCM. Is the disease course of rheumatoid arthritis becoming milder? Time trends since 1985 in an inception cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2005;52:2616–24.PubMedCrossRef
57.
go back to reference Willkens RF, Watson MA, Paxson CS. Low dose pulse methotrexate therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 1980;7:501–5.PubMed Willkens RF, Watson MA, Paxson CS. Low dose pulse methotrexate therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 1980;7:501–5.PubMed
58.
go back to reference Hoffmeister RT. Methotrexate therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: 15 years experience. Am J Med. 1983;75(suppl 6A):69–73.PubMedCrossRef Hoffmeister RT. Methotrexate therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: 15 years experience. Am J Med. 1983;75(suppl 6A):69–73.PubMedCrossRef
59.
60.
go back to reference Suzuki Y. Methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Japan—much more still remains to be resolved. Nippon Rinsho. 2002;60(12):2331–8. Suzuki Y. Methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Japan—much more still remains to be resolved. Nippon Rinsho. 2002;60(12):2331–8.
61.
go back to reference Jacoby RK, Jayson MIV, Cosh JA. Onset, early stages, and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis: a clinical study of 100 patients with 11-year follow-up. Br Med J. 1973;2:96–100.PubMed Jacoby RK, Jayson MIV, Cosh JA. Onset, early stages, and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis: a clinical study of 100 patients with 11-year follow-up. Br Med J. 1973;2:96–100.PubMed
62.
go back to reference Minaur N, Jacoby R, Cosh J, Taylor G, Rasker J. Outcome after 40 years with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study of function, disease activity and mortality. J Rheumatol. 2004;31(S69):3–8. Minaur N, Jacoby R, Cosh J, Taylor G, Rasker J. Outcome after 40 years with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study of function, disease activity and mortality. J Rheumatol. 2004;31(S69):3–8.
63.
go back to reference Kaarela K. Prognostic factors and diagnostic criteria in early rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1985;57:1–54.PubMedCrossRef Kaarela K. Prognostic factors and diagnostic criteria in early rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1985;57:1–54.PubMedCrossRef
64.
go back to reference Sokka T. Early rheumatoid arthritis in Finland. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S133–7.PubMed Sokka T. Early rheumatoid arthritis in Finland. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S133–7.PubMed
65.
go back to reference Jantti JK, Kaarela K, Belt EA, Kautiainen HJ. Incidence of severe outcome in rheumatoid arthritis during 20 years. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(4):688–92.PubMed Jantti JK, Kaarela K, Belt EA, Kautiainen HJ. Incidence of severe outcome in rheumatoid arthritis during 20 years. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(4):688–92.PubMed
66.
go back to reference Kaarela K, Kautiainen H. Continuous progression of radiological destruction in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 1997;24:1285–7.PubMed Kaarela K, Kautiainen H. Continuous progression of radiological destruction in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 1997;24:1285–7.PubMed
67.
go back to reference Welsing PM, van Riel PL. The Nijmegen inception cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl. 2004;69:14–21.PubMed Welsing PM, van Riel PL. The Nijmegen inception cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl. 2004;69:14–21.PubMed
68.
go back to reference Häkkinen A, Sokka T, Kotaniemi A, Hannonen P. A randomized two-year study of the effects of dynamic strength training on muscle strength, disease activity, functional capacity, and bone mineral density in early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44:515–22.PubMedCrossRef Häkkinen A, Sokka T, Kotaniemi A, Hannonen P. A randomized two-year study of the effects of dynamic strength training on muscle strength, disease activity, functional capacity, and bone mineral density in early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44:515–22.PubMedCrossRef
69.
go back to reference Sokka T, Pincus T. Contemporary disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis in a US private practice: methotrexate as the anchor drug in 90% and new DMARD in 30% of patients. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(12):2521–4.PubMed Sokka T, Pincus T. Contemporary disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis in a US private practice: methotrexate as the anchor drug in 90% and new DMARD in 30% of patients. J Rheumatol. 2002;29(12):2521–4.PubMed
70.
go back to reference Sokka TM, Kautiainen HJ, Hannonen PJ. A retrospective study of treating RA patients with various combinations of slow-acting antirheumatic drugs in a county hospital. Scand J Rheumatol. 1997;26:440–3.PubMedCrossRef Sokka TM, Kautiainen HJ, Hannonen PJ. A retrospective study of treating RA patients with various combinations of slow-acting antirheumatic drugs in a county hospital. Scand J Rheumatol. 1997;26:440–3.PubMedCrossRef
71.
go back to reference Klaukka T, Kaarela K. Methotrexate is the leading DMARD in Finland. Ann Rheum Dis. 2003;62:494–6.PubMedCrossRef Klaukka T, Kaarela K. Methotrexate is the leading DMARD in Finland. Ann Rheum Dis. 2003;62:494–6.PubMedCrossRef
72.
go back to reference Finckh A, Choi HK, Wolfe F. Progression of radiographic joint damage in different eras: trends towards milder disease in rheumatoid arthritis are attributable to improved treatment. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65(9):1192–7.PubMedCrossRef Finckh A, Choi HK, Wolfe F. Progression of radiographic joint damage in different eras: trends towards milder disease in rheumatoid arthritis are attributable to improved treatment. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65(9):1192–7.PubMedCrossRef
74.
go back to reference Pincus T, Sokka T. Uniform databases in early arthritis: specific measures to complement classification criteria and indices of clinical change. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S79–88.PubMed Pincus T, Sokka T. Uniform databases in early arthritis: specific measures to complement classification criteria and indices of clinical change. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S79–88.PubMed
75.
go back to reference Sokka T, Pincus T. Quantitative joint assessment in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2005;23:S58–62.PubMed Sokka T, Pincus T. Quantitative joint assessment in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2005;23:S58–62.PubMed
76.
go back to reference Jantti J, Kaarela K, Kautiainen H, Isomaki H, Aho K. Radiographic remission in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. A 20-year follow-up study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2001;19:573–6.PubMed Jantti J, Kaarela K, Kautiainen H, Isomaki H, Aho K. Radiographic remission in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. A 20-year follow-up study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2001;19:573–6.PubMed
77.
go back to reference Young A, Dixey J, Cox N, Davies P, Devlin J, Emery P, et al. How does functional disability in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect patients and their live? Results of 5 years of follow-up in 732 patients from the Early RA Study (ERAS). Rheumatology. 2000;39:603–11.PubMedCrossRef Young A, Dixey J, Cox N, Davies P, Devlin J, Emery P, et al. How does functional disability in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect patients and their live? Results of 5 years of follow-up in 732 patients from the Early RA Study (ERAS). Rheumatology. 2000;39:603–11.PubMedCrossRef
78.
go back to reference Bukhari MAS, Wiles NJ, Lunt M, Harrison BJ, Scott DGI, Symmons DPM, et al. Influence of disease-modifying therapy on radiographic outcome in inflammatory polyarthritis at five years: results from a large observational inception study. Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48:46–53.PubMedCrossRef Bukhari MAS, Wiles NJ, Lunt M, Harrison BJ, Scott DGI, Symmons DPM, et al. Influence of disease-modifying therapy on radiographic outcome in inflammatory polyarthritis at five years: results from a large observational inception study. Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48:46–53.PubMedCrossRef
79.
go back to reference Papadopoulos NG, Alamanos Y, Papadopoulos IA, Tsifetaki N, Voulgari PV, Drosos AA. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs in early rheumatoid arthritis: a longterm observational study. J Rheumatol. 2002;29:261–6.PubMed Papadopoulos NG, Alamanos Y, Papadopoulos IA, Tsifetaki N, Voulgari PV, Drosos AA. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs in early rheumatoid arthritis: a longterm observational study. J Rheumatol. 2002;29:261–6.PubMed
80.
go back to reference Paulus HE, Ramos B, Wong WK, Ahmed A, Bulpitt K, Park G, et al. Equivalence of the acute phase reactants C-reactive protein, plasma viscosity, and Westergren erythrocyte sedmientation rate when used to calculate American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria or the disease activity score in patients with rearly rheumatoid arthritis. Western Consortium of Practicing Rheumatologists. J Rheumatol. 1999;26(11):2324–32.PubMed Paulus HE, Ramos B, Wong WK, Ahmed A, Bulpitt K, Park G, et al. Equivalence of the acute phase reactants C-reactive protein, plasma viscosity, and Westergren erythrocyte sedmientation rate when used to calculate American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria or the disease activity score in patients with rearly rheumatoid arthritis. Western Consortium of Practicing Rheumatologists. J Rheumatol. 1999;26(11):2324–32.PubMed
81.
go back to reference Forslind K, Ahlmen M, Eberhardt K, Hafstrom I, Svensson B. Prediction of radiological outcome in early rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice: role of antibodies to citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP). Ann Rheum Dis. 2004;63(9):1090–5.PubMedCrossRef Forslind K, Ahlmen M, Eberhardt K, Hafstrom I, Svensson B. Prediction of radiological outcome in early rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice: role of antibodies to citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP). Ann Rheum Dis. 2004;63(9):1090–5.PubMedCrossRef
82.
go back to reference Makinen H, Kautiainen H, Hannonen P, Sokka T. Frequency of remissions in early rheumatoid arthritis defined by 3 sets of criteria. A 5-year followup study. J Rheumatol. 2005;32:796–800.PubMed Makinen H, Kautiainen H, Hannonen P, Sokka T. Frequency of remissions in early rheumatoid arthritis defined by 3 sets of criteria. A 5-year followup study. J Rheumatol. 2005;32:796–800.PubMed
83.
go back to reference Carli C, Ehlin AG, Klareskog L, Lindblad S, Montgomery SM. Trends in disease modifying antirheumatic drug prescription in early rheumatoid arthritis are influenced more by hospital setting than patient or disease characteristics. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65(8):1102–5.PubMedCrossRef Carli C, Ehlin AG, Klareskog L, Lindblad S, Montgomery SM. Trends in disease modifying antirheumatic drug prescription in early rheumatoid arthritis are influenced more by hospital setting than patient or disease characteristics. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65(8):1102–5.PubMedCrossRef
84.
go back to reference Bombardier C, Deaton RL, Gregersen P, Massarotti E, Formica C, Weisman MH. Pattern of DMARD use in a North American cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (SONORA). Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46(9S):S344. Bombardier C, Deaton RL, Gregersen P, Massarotti E, Formica C, Weisman MH. Pattern of DMARD use in a North American cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (SONORA). Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46(9S):S344.
85.
go back to reference GIARA Registry Study Group. Aggressive rheumatoid arthritis registry in Italy. Characteristics of the early rheumatoid arthritis subtype among patients classified according to the ACR criteria. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S129–32. GIARA Registry Study Group. Aggressive rheumatoid arthritis registry in Italy. Characteristics of the early rheumatoid arthritis subtype among patients classified according to the ACR criteria. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21:S129–32.
86.
go back to reference Rasker JJ, Cosh JA. Radiological study of cervical spine and hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of 15 years’ duration: an assessment of the effects of corticosteroid treatment. Ann Rheum Dis. 1978;37:529–35.PubMedCrossRef Rasker JJ, Cosh JA. Radiological study of cervical spine and hand in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of 15 years’ duration: an assessment of the effects of corticosteroid treatment. Ann Rheum Dis. 1978;37:529–35.PubMedCrossRef
87.
go back to reference Riise T, Jacobsen BK, Gran JT. Changes in therapy of rheumatoid arthritis during the period 1979 to 1996. Scan J Rheumatol. 2001;30:199–202.CrossRef Riise T, Jacobsen BK, Gran JT. Changes in therapy of rheumatoid arthritis during the period 1979 to 1996. Scan J Rheumatol. 2001;30:199–202.CrossRef
88.
go back to reference Edwards CJ, Arden NK, Fisher D, Saperia JC, Reading I, Van Staa TP, et al. The changing use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis from the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2005;44(11):1394–8.CrossRef Edwards CJ, Arden NK, Fisher D, Saperia JC, Reading I, Van Staa TP, et al. The changing use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis from the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2005;44(11):1394–8.CrossRef
89.
go back to reference van Schaardenburg D, Hazes JM, de Boer A, Zwinderman AH, Meijers KA, Breedveld FC. Outcome of rheumatoid arthritis in relation to age and rheumatoid factor at diagnosis. J Rheumatol. 1993;20(1):45–52.PubMed van Schaardenburg D, Hazes JM, de Boer A, Zwinderman AH, Meijers KA, Breedveld FC. Outcome of rheumatoid arthritis in relation to age and rheumatoid factor at diagnosis. J Rheumatol. 1993;20(1):45–52.PubMed
90.
go back to reference Hamada Y, Shinomiya F, Okada M, Fujimura T. Outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated by step-wise administration of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs over a 10-year period. Mod Rheumatol. 2003;13:27–34.CrossRef Hamada Y, Shinomiya F, Okada M, Fujimura T. Outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated by step-wise administration of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs over a 10-year period. Mod Rheumatol. 2003;13:27–34.CrossRef
91.
go back to reference Gordon P, West J, Jones H, Gibson T. A 10 year prospective followup of patients with rheumatoid arthritis 1986–96. J Rheumatol. 2001;28(11):2400–8. Gordon P, West J, Jones H, Gibson T. A 10 year prospective followup of patients with rheumatoid arthritis 1986–96. J Rheumatol. 2001;28(11):2400–8.
92.
go back to reference Kvien TK, Uhlig T, Kristiansen IS. Criteria for TNF-targeted therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: estimates of the number of patients potentially eligible. Drugs. 2001;61:1711–20.PubMedCrossRef Kvien TK, Uhlig T, Kristiansen IS. Criteria for TNF-targeted therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: estimates of the number of patients potentially eligible. Drugs. 2001;61:1711–20.PubMedCrossRef
93.
go back to reference Soderlin MK, Lindroth Y, Jacobsson LT. Trends in medication and health-related quality of life in a population-based rheumatoid arthritis register in Malmo, Sweden. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2007;46(8):1355–8.CrossRef Soderlin MK, Lindroth Y, Jacobsson LT. Trends in medication and health-related quality of life in a population-based rheumatoid arthritis register in Malmo, Sweden. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2007;46(8):1355–8.CrossRef
94.
go back to reference Eberhardt K, Fex E. Clinical course and remission rate in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: relationship to outcome after 5 years. Br J Rheumatol. 1998;37:1324–9.PubMedCrossRef Eberhardt K, Fex E. Clinical course and remission rate in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: relationship to outcome after 5 years. Br J Rheumatol. 1998;37:1324–9.PubMedCrossRef
95.
go back to reference Lindqvist E, Saxne T, Geborek P, Eberhardt K. Ten year outcome in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: health status, disease process, and damage. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002;61:1055–9.PubMedCrossRef Lindqvist E, Saxne T, Geborek P, Eberhardt K. Ten year outcome in a cohort of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: health status, disease process, and damage. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002;61:1055–9.PubMedCrossRef
96.
go back to reference Dadoniene J, Uhlig T, Stropuviene S, Venalis A, Boonen A, Kvien TK. Disease activity and health status in rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control comparison between Norway and Lithuania. Ann Rheum Dis. 2003;62(3):231–5.PubMedCrossRef Dadoniene J, Uhlig T, Stropuviene S, Venalis A, Boonen A, Kvien TK. Disease activity and health status in rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control comparison between Norway and Lithuania. Ann Rheum Dis. 2003;62(3):231–5.PubMedCrossRef
97.
go back to reference Gonzalez-Alvaro I, Carmona L, Balsa A, Sanmarti R, Belmonte MA, Tena X, et al. Patterns of disease modifying antirheumatic drug use in a Spanish cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2003;30:697–704.PubMed Gonzalez-Alvaro I, Carmona L, Balsa A, Sanmarti R, Belmonte MA, Tena X, et al. Patterns of disease modifying antirheumatic drug use in a Spanish cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2003;30:697–704.PubMed
98.
go back to reference Thiele K, Buttgereit F, Huscher D, Zink A. Current use of glucocorticoids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Germany. Arthriis Rheum. 2005;53(5):740–7.CrossRef Thiele K, Buttgereit F, Huscher D, Zink A. Current use of glucocorticoids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Germany. Arthriis Rheum. 2005;53(5):740–7.CrossRef
99.
go back to reference Kvien TK, Heiberg MS, Lie E, Kaufmann C, Mikkelsen K, Nordvag B-Y, et al. A Norwegian DMARD register: prescriptions of DMARDs and biological agents to patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2005;23:S188–94.PubMed Kvien TK, Heiberg MS, Lie E, Kaufmann C, Mikkelsen K, Nordvag B-Y, et al. A Norwegian DMARD register: prescriptions of DMARDs and biological agents to patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2005;23:S188–94.PubMed
100.
go back to reference Yamanaka H, Inoue E, Singh G, Tanaka E, Nakajima A, Taniguchi A, et al. Improvement of disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients from 2000 to 2006 in a large observational cohort study IORRA in Japan. Mod Rheumatol. 2007;17(4):283–9.PubMedCrossRef Yamanaka H, Inoue E, Singh G, Tanaka E, Nakajima A, Taniguchi A, et al. Improvement of disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients from 2000 to 2006 in a large observational cohort study IORRA in Japan. Mod Rheumatol. 2007;17(4):283–9.PubMedCrossRef
101.
go back to reference Badsha H, Kong KO, Tak PP. Rheumatoid arthritis in Dubai-delayed diagnosis and low usage of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(6):835.PubMedCrossRef Badsha H, Kong KO, Tak PP. Rheumatoid arthritis in Dubai-delayed diagnosis and low usage of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66(6):835.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a global perspective on the use of antirheumatic drugs
Authors
Tuulikki Sokka
Minja Envalds
Theodore Pincus
Publication date
01-06-2008
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Modern Rheumatology / Issue 3/2008
Print ISSN: 1439-7595
Electronic ISSN: 1439-7609
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10165-008-0056-x

Other articles of this Issue 3/2008

Modern Rheumatology 3/2008 Go to the issue
Live Webinar | 27-06-2024 | 18:00 (CEST)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Live: Thursday 27th June 2024, 18:00-19:30 (CEST)

WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

Join our expert panel to discover why you need to understand the drivers of non-adherence in your patients, and how you can optimize medication adherence in your clinics to drastically improve patient outcomes.

Prof. Kevin Dolgin
Prof. Florian Limbourg
Prof. Anoop Chauhan
Developed by: Springer Medicine
Obesity Clinical Trial Summary

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

Developed by: Springer Medicine

Highlights from the ACC 2024 Congress

Year in Review: Pediatric cardiology

Watch Dr. Anne Marie Valente present the last year's highlights in pediatric and congenital heart disease in the official ACC.24 Year in Review session.

Year in Review: Pulmonary vascular disease

The last year's highlights in pulmonary vascular disease are presented by Dr. Jane Leopold in this official video from ACC.24.

Year in Review: Valvular heart disease

Watch Prof. William Zoghbi present the last year's highlights in valvular heart disease from the official ACC.24 Year in Review session.

Year in Review: Heart failure and cardiomyopathies

Watch this official video from ACC.24. Dr. Biykem Bozkurt discusses last year's major advances in heart failure and cardiomyopathies.