[Early recognition of rheumatoid arthritis]

Abstract

Target to treat within the first 12 weeks. The rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease process may be modulated best in the very early phase of the disease, therefore the period of the first 12 weeks of the disease is called the "window of opportunity". Patients in whom treatment is started within 12 weeks of onset of symptoms develop less severe joint damage and have a better chance of remission. At present only 31% of Dutch new RA patients are assessed by a rheumatologist within 12 weeks of symptom onset. Arthritis is identified by joint palpation; in order to detect subtle arthritis of minor joints, experience in carrying out this joint examination is required. In order to distinguish patients with early RA from other patients with recent onset arthritis, several prediction models have been developed. Early recognition of arthritis and RA is mandatory for early treatment of RA and improvement of the prospects of RA patients.