Rheumatoid Arthritis, Its Diagnostic Approach and How to treat it

. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by symmetrical erosive polyarthritis leading to progressive disability. It is more common in women, with a 3:1 ratio. Environmental risk factors are smoking, exposure to silica and textile dust.Materials and methods. Fifteen articles and three books on rheumatoid arthritis were chosen to identify the most accurate diagnostic methods and the most effective and innovative treatments.Discussion. Related autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factors, anti-citrullinated antibodies and anti- caramylated antibodies can be found in serum long before the disease develops. The interaction between genetic and environmental factors causes a breakdown of immune tolerance and triggers systemic autoimmunity. It has been shown that the lungs, oral mucosa, and gastrointestinal tract are initial sites where the immune system can become activated and produce RA. Different imaging techniques are available for diagnosis: plain radiography, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. Doppler ultrasound was found to be more sensitive in identifying minimal synovitis and more sensitive than plain radiography in detecting joint erosions. As pharmacological treatment, it has been concluded that the first-line drug is methotrexate, as it relieves signs and symptoms, improves physical function, and prevents or slows the progression of joint damage. We also observed that NSAIDs help in the inflammatory and symptomatic control of RA.Conclusion. The quality of life of affected patients has been maintained thanks to the early detection of the disease, since there are several treatments (physical therapies, aerobic exercises, medications, etc.), which help to stop the evolution of this disease and thus allow the patient to lead a daily life.