[Early rheumatoid arthritis].

This article gives an overview on the clinical features of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is the most frequent and severe inflammatory joint disease and a serious health burden affecting approximately 1% of the population. The classical image of RA with axial deviations of the fingers, subluxation of the small finger joints and progressive crippling is no big diagnostic challenge since it can easily be distinguished from other rheumatic conditions. However, this picture resembles the end stage disease with irreversible damage and is comparable for instance with renal failure as a consequence of diabetic nephropathy. It is without question that early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of RA and the only chance to prevent organ damage. Therefore, an effective approach to treat RA as early as possible warrants a detailed knowledge of the specific features of early RA, which not always follows the features of the established disease.