Encouraging Results Of A Systematic Step-Up DMARD Treatment Schedule For RA Patients

At least 50% of recent onset rheumatoid arthritis patients achieve remission (a state free of signs and symptoms) within 36 weeks when following a systematic approach of step-up DMARD treatment in combination with tight control, according to results of a study presented at EULAR 2008, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Paris, France. Results of this study indicate that achieving remission is not only possible during clinical trials but can be a realistic goal of standard clinical care.



Of 169 early RA patients, remission (defined as DAS283.2 at inclusion.



At baseline, patient characteristics between the hospitals were comparable - average patient age was 57.3 years (13.7), 63.9% were female, 52.7% of which were rheumatoid factor positive, with an average disease duration of 16 weeks (1-52), ESR 33.2 (20.5), CRP 23.5 (26.4), DAS28 5.1 (1.1), HAQ 1.3 (0.6).







Abstract number: OP-0003



About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is the organisation which represents the patient, health professional and scientific societies of rheumatology of all the European nations.


The aims of EULAR are to reduce the burden of rheumatic diseases on the individual and society and to improve the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal diseases. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in education and research in the field of rheumatology. It promotes the translation of research advances into daily care and fights for the recognition of the needs of people with musculoskeletal diseases by the governing bodies in Europe.


Diseases of bones and joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis cause disability in 4 - 5 % of the adult population and are predicted to rise as people live longer.


As new treatments emerge and cellular mechanisms are discovered, EULAR 2008 brings together more than 12,000 experts - scientists, clinicians, healthcare workers, pharmaceutical companies and patients - to share their knowledge in a global endeavour to challenge the pain and disability caused by musculo-skeletal disorders.


To find out more information about the activities of EULAR, visit: eular/

Source: Camilla Dormer / Rory Berrie


European League Against Rheumatism