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Today: Complete Control of Rheumatoid Arthritis Possible
Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Not yet but scientists are close. This review article on RA looks at the cause and risk factors for RA. The importance of early diagnosis is discussed. Results of recent studies using drugs to put RA into remission are presented. Beyond remission, hope for a cure is outlined.

Despite all that is known about RA, we still don't know what causes it. There may be many varied factors so that early detection based on identifying risk factors is difficult. Finding and treating the disease early can prevent long-term damage to the joints.

Scientists are studying blood tests and imaging methods to look for any clues that might guide them in screening people for RA. For example MRI may be able to detect inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) before any joint changes show up on X-ray or are even felt by the patient.

Another problem is knowing which drugs to use to treat each patient. Some will respond to standard medications for RA. Others will need more potent drugs. Doctors have no way to know how a patient will do without a period of trial and error. The longer it takes to get the joint inflammation under control, the greater the risk for permanent damage.

Despite all these problems many patients get complete relief from symptoms. Some even have reversal of joint and bone damage. But the drugs and drug combinations used to put one person into remission don't work for everyone.

The authors say the future "cure" of RA will depend on the earliest possible diagnosis -- before any joint changes can be seen. Patients hope for a cure that doesn't mean taking drugs for the rest of their lives.

References: Nancy J. Olsen, MD, and Catalina Orozco, MD. Initial Diagnosis and Early Management of RA. In Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. October 2005. Supplement. Pp. S6-S11.

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