Rheumatoid Arthritis
Follow along on our year-long guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis, an exploration of the latest recommendations and research on the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of this inflammatory autoimmune condition. Each month will delve into another aspect, including warning signs, risk factors, and immune system triggers; management of pain, stiffness, swollen joints, and fatigue; medication options; reducing infection and other long-term risks; emotional, psychosocial, and reproductive/sexual health concerns; comorbidities; advising patients about self-care related to diet, exercise, and overall well-being to optimally live with the disease; special COVID-19 considerations; promising treatments in the pipeline; lessons learned from unique case studies, and more, all of which has undergone expert review. Every installment will include a downloadable, printable information resource for patients.
RA Beginnings: Before the Painful Joints
–At play in rheumatoid arthritis are autoantibodies, genetic factors, and environmental exposures
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA: Still a Clinical Diagnosis
–The pattern of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis is key
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
RA: Choosing Initial Treatment
–Focus on methotrexate, and here are other key considerations
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Starting Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Case Study: 106-Year-Old Woman Suddenly Develops Rheumatoid Arthritis
–Diagnosis was challenging, but treatment was ultimately successful, authors related
Second-Line Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Are the Options?
–Targeting TNF, triple therapy, and questions about JAK inhibitors
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Beyond the First RA Treatments
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Time of COVID
–Disease risk is higher, and vaccines are crucial
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Special Concerns About COVID
Reproductive Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis
–Optimizing fertility, contraception, and pregnancy outcomes
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Reproductive Health in RA
Case Study: RA Patient Develops Rare Reaction Related to Biologic Treatment
–Consider panniculitis in any patient who develop fever and erythema after taking abatacept, clinicians urge
Psychological and Emotional Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis
–Risk for depression is particularly high, but help is available
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: How to Cope With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis
–Risks are increased, and assessment remains challenging
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Heart Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Looking Ahead in Rheumatoid Arthritis Research
–Emerging focus is on the fibroblast
Remission and Beyond in Rheumatoid Arthritis
–Current emphasis is on tapering therapy for patients in remission
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What to Expect When You Reach Remission