REVIEW - Treat RA early, aggressively for best outcomes

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From the June ACP Observer, copyright © 2007 by the American College

of Physicians.

By DuBosar

Treat RA Early, Aggressively for Best Outcomes

SAN DIEGO—Rheumatoid arthritis treatments given within 15 days of the

initial presentation compared with four months after diagnosis showed

remarkable improvement in outcomes.

A critical window of opportunity exists early in the disease onset,

when primary care providers are likely to pick up the condition, said

J. Cush, MD, a rheumatologist at the University of Texas

Southwest Medical School, who cited the research showing the dramatic

improvement in patients who receive early treatment (Lard, LR, Am J

Med. 2001 Oct 15;111(6):446-51.). Dr. Cush led a session on " What the

internist should know about co-managing patients receiving newer

immunosuppressive therapies. "

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Read the entire article here:

http://www.acponline.org/clinical_information/journals_publications/acp_internis\

t/jun07/arthritis.htm

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Not an MD