Rheumatoid arthritis: principles of early treatment.

Early diagnosis and effective treatment is considered to be important in the prevention of joint damage and disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This hypothesis has led to the establishment of special early arthritis clinics in many centers. The lag times between onset of symptoms of RA and diagnosis, and the introduction of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, have been greatly reduced. Treatment strategies have become increasingly refined. Moreover, newer therapies have increased the options for limiting early joint damage and subsequent disability.