Health & Medical Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis-- Early Therapy

Rheumatoid Arthritis-- Early Therapy

Early Therapy Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients


March 9, 2000 (Minneapolis) -- People with rheumatoid arthritis who receive early and aggressive treatment called "second-line" therapy have less pain and disability than those for whom the treatment is delayed, Canadian researchers report in the Journal of Rheumatology.

The initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has traditionally been anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. In the last few years, studies have supported the use of second-line therapy with drugs such as methotrexate, gold salts, or hydroxychloroquine to decrease the pain and disability associated with the disease. But doctors have not known whether early treatment with these drugs, as opposed to the "watchful waiting" approach, would offer more relief.

"Rheumatologists believe in early use of second-line treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, but we haven't had evidence to support it before this study," study co-author John M. Esdaile, MD, tells WebMD. He says this approach "reflects a radical shift in philosophy that may not have reached primary care providers yet."

Rheumatoid arthritis affects multiple joints, causing them to swell, says Esdaile, a professor and head of rheumatology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is also the associate director of research of the Canadian Arthritis Network.

People with this condition, which commonly affects the hands and wrists as well as the neck and knees, are typically stiff for more than an hour when they arise in the morning. They also suffer from fatigue. "Not everyone with joint pain has rheumatoid arthritis, but anyone with these symptoms should be assessed by their physician," Esdaile tells WebMD.

He says that 20 years ago, doctors had only one second-line agent, gold salt, to use in these patients. "Now we have an increasing number of second-line treatments, and our philosophy has changed toward aggressive treatment: treat more, treat earlier," he says. "People need to know that rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease, and early treatment is required to prevent subsequent joint damage."

The second-line treatment used in this study was hydroxychloroquine, which is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers gave either hydroxychloroquine or a placebo to 119 rheumatoid arthritis patients for nine months, then followed them for three years.
SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Health & Medical"
Glucosamine and Chondroitin-Topic Overview
Glucosamine and Chondroitin-Topic Overview
Diagnosing Knee Arthritis and Treatment
Diagnosing Knee Arthritis and Treatment
Arthritis Can Erode Your Self-Esteem as Well as Your Joints
Arthritis Can Erode Your Self-Esteem as Well as Your Joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips
Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips
Understanding Arthritis
Understanding Arthritis
Natural Gout Cures Or How to Cure The Pain In Your Big Toe
Natural Gout Cures Or How to Cure The Pain In Your Big Toe
Green Tea vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Green Tea vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Essence of Exercise in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The Essence of Exercise in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Raynaud's Phenomenon-Credits
Raynaud's Phenomenon-Credits
Methotrexate in Combination or Alone for Early RA Remission?
Methotrexate in Combination or Alone for Early RA Remission?
Treatments for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Treatments for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Women's Knee-Injury Mystery Unsolved
Women's Knee-Injury Mystery Unsolved
How Is RA or SLE Differentially Diagnosed?
How Is RA or SLE Differentially Diagnosed?
Can Natural Gout Treatment Work for Everyone?
Can Natural Gout Treatment Work for Everyone?
How to Lower Uric Acid Symptoms of Gout Using This Simple Fruit
How to Lower Uric Acid Symptoms of Gout Using This Simple Fruit
Knee Factor
Knee Factor
Low Uric Acid Diet - How a Low Uric Acid Diet Can Relieve Your Gout
Low Uric Acid Diet - How a Low Uric Acid Diet Can Relieve Your Gout
Hip Joint Pain?
Hip Joint Pain?
Arthritis Diagnosis and Treatment in Austin
Arthritis Diagnosis and Treatment in Austin
Herbal Remedies for Arthritis
Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

Leave Your Reply

*