ABSTRACT
In recent years, treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has changed beyond recognition. Advances in the identification, linked with an understanding of the prognosis of patients with inflammatory arthritis, has enabled early initiation of effective therapies. It is recognized that suppression of inflammation should be as rapid as possible.1-3 Persistent inflammation leads to damage, with substantial irreversible damage occurring within the first 2 years of symptoms.2
This rate of damage occurrence appears to be greater in the earlier phase of the disease, rather than being simply cumulative. Permanent damage leads to disability, which in turn leads to costs, both to the individual and society. Treatment strategies have developed based on principles taking account of the above.
