Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Making good decisions requires that physicians have reliable and practical data. Comparative effectiveness reviews and objective findings on different medical interventions and strategies, as provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in its Effective Health Care Program, can help physicians make the most informed choices among treatment options.

LATEST ARTICLES

Safety profile of biologics evolves, but long-term risk concerns remain

New safety profile data continues to emerge on biologics used in psoriasis. Among the findings: Today's biologics do not appear to increase serious infection risk; the drugs' short-term cancer risk profile is promising; but concerns remain about long-term cancer risk with all biologics and cardiovascular risk with interleukin-12/23, ustekinumab (Stelara, Janssen Biotech).

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A review of recommendations and emerging therapy

The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, but environmental and genetic factors have been proposed as potential theories. Genetic predisposition results in the destructive nature of this autoimmune disease. The inheritance of certain genes in the major histocompatibility complex can increase the susceptibility of developing RA.

Effective Health Care Clinician Guides

FDA approves subcutaneous formulation of abatacept for treatment of RA

FDA has approved a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of abatacept (Orencia, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is the first biologic available in both SC and intravenous formulations for the treatment of RA.

New treatment guidelines strongly endorse use of biologic agents for many children with arthritis refractory to methotrexate

The American College of Rheumatology has developed new guidelines for starting and monitoring treatments for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.