"5D" Outcome in 52 patients with rheumatoid arthritis surviving 20 years after initial disease modifying antirheumatic drug therapy.

Abstract

Strategies to improve the outcome of RA in all dimensions should include: earlier referral for expert assessment; avoidance of NSAID gastrointestinal and nephrotoxicity; a more intensive effort to identify effective management of comorbidity and those likely to have a poor outcome. Such patients require sustained, intensive therapy to minimize later disability.