Strategies for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that, untreated, can lead to permanent joint damage, decrease in quality of life, and disability. Health care professionals play a vital role in caring for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The therapeutic possibilities in the management of rheumatoid arthritis have changed, with newer biologic therapies that target the inflammatory cascade seen in rheumatoid arthritis. As new treatments become increasingly available, it is important for health care professionals to stay informed. This article provides physicians with a review of biologic therapies currently used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and describe how those therapies are used to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.