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Utility of J apanese oriental medicine for the alternative target in the treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: 2014 recommendations update
Author(s) -
Kogure Toshiaki,
Harada Naoyuki,
Yamamoto Kanoko,
Tatsumi Takeshi,
Kasahara Yuji
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
traditional and kampo medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2053-4515
DOI - 10.1002/tkm2.1051
Subject(s) - rheumatoid arthritis , medicine , rheumatism
Aim The therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) has markedly changed over the past 10 years. The aim of this study was to describe the position of J apanese oriental (kampo) medicine ( JOM ) in the therapeutic strategy for RA , termed ‘treat to target’ by the A merican C ollege of R heumatology ( ACR ) and European League Against Rheumatism ( EULAR ). Methods First we describe the 2014 ACR / EULAR recommendations update, then we consider the utility of JOM in the RA treatment algorithm, based on previous studies. Results There are two routes for treating RA in the updated 2014 algorithm: one is the main target and the other is the alternative target. JOM is often associated with the alternative target. Cases of representative RA patients (elderly RA patient with infectious disease and an RA patient with rectal cancer) are used as treatment examples. It may be difficult to clinically apply JOM to the main target, because it takes time for JOM to take effect. Conclusion Trends in the therapeutic strategy for RA , and the clinical application of JOM are demonstrated. Furthermore, standardization of the traditional diagnostic system to enable use of JOM for the main target in the treatment algorithm is discussed.