Written by a world-renowned expert in rheumatology this book serves as a refresher for GPs and hospital doctors containing practical diagnostic and treatment advice. Reviews clinical developments and guidelines, and places them into everyday clinical practice Stresses the importance of early and aggressive treatment Concise but comprehensive whilst being loaded with illustrations including imaging examples all presented in pocket sized format Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common and serious inflammatory arthritis, resulting in joint destruction, functional impairment and increased mortality. The outcome of the disease, however, has improved considerably in recent years with the availability of effective therapies and the recognition that early intensive treatment strategies result in better outcomes. This book has been designed to increase physician awareness of the importance of early and intensive treatment – a key pharmaceutical strategy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Emphasizes the importance of early intervention in RA with focus on pharmacologic treatments of RA. Detailed information on the various medications employed in treatment, including corticosteroids, NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologic agents, and combination therapy, is reviewed, including evidence-based data on efficacy, safety, side effects, and monitoring requirements. Clinical evaluation is presented, including lab findings, joint scoring, diagnostic criteria, and radiographic outcomes. Surgical options and the management of advanced RA are discussed.

A handy guide to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of arthritis and many rheumatic diseases. To be used for spotting symptoms, issuing proper tests, making referrals when necessary and suggesting treatment options.

This authoritative clinical reference provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of rheumatoid arthritis. The basics of rheumatoid arthritis are thoroughly covered in order to provide a firm foundation for the main focus of the text: therapy and clinical management of the disease. Practitioners will find detailed information on both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic courses of management, with special emphasis on the management of pain. More than 100 full-color illustrations provide clear visual support for the concepts in the text. Online references in each chapter, as well as an entire chapter on Web-based information resources, keep this book on the cutting edge of this rapidly evolving field.

First Prize, Orthopaedics and Rheumatology, BMA Awards 2009 This state-of-the-art reference provides current insights into the etiology, diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis. Leading international authorities in RA examine all of the latest scientific and clinical developments in understanding and managing this challenging disease, including new concepts in pathogenesis, epidemiology, risk factors, imaging, clinical outcomes and treatment. It’s the guidance you need to offer optimal care to your patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Presents the work of leading international experts in rheumatoid arthritis for guidance you can trust. Provides the very latest understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, including molecular pathways/mechanisms, and genetic and environmental factors that instigate and drive the disease. Includes comprehensive coverage of clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis including articular, peri-articular and extra-articular manifestations, comorbidities, and outcome measures—disease activity, joint assessment, imaging, and more—for expert diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. Examines evidence-based treatment options—including traditional and biologic DMARDs and combination therapies—as well as promising therapies on the horizon, placing up-to-date guidance on disease modifying or disease controlling agents at your fingertips.