Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Use of Rheumatologic Testing in Patients Who Eventually Receive a Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis”

Authors: Kam A. Newman, MD, MohamadOmid Edrissian, MD

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, for which delay in diagnosis and treatment may cause irreversible structural joint damage in affected individuals. A large body of evidence supports that early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of RA have a fundamental role in the prevention of irreversible joint damage and consequent disability.
Posted in: Rheumatology and Orthopedics26 Rheumatoid Arthritis2

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References

1. Singh DK, Badwal J, Vankina R, et al. Use of rheumatologic testing in patients who eventually receive a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. South Med J 2019;112:535-538.
2. Aletaha D, Eberl G, Nell VP, et al. Attitudes to early rheumatoid arthritis: changing patterns. Results of a survey. Ann Rheum Dis 2004;63:1269-1275.
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4. Lee D, Schur P. Clinical utility of the anti-CCP assay in patients with rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2003;62:870-874.