REVIEW - Clinical and radiological remission: new treatment goals in the management of RA: Project REMISSION (PLUS)

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Z Rheumatol. 2008 Dec;67(8):707-15.

[Project REMISSION(PLUS): clinical and radiological remission : New

treatment goals in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.][Article in

German]

Ostendorf B, Scherer A, Kellner H, Backhaus M.

Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Rheumatologie,

Rheumazentrum Rhein-Ruhr, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf,

nstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.

In a large number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic

inflammatory processes cause joint changes and loss of function even

in the early stages of disease. Early, targeted use of

disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs and TNF-alpha blockers

( " biologicals " )] can significantly reduce the risk of aggressive

progression and irreversible joint damage. Hence, early identification

of disease-specific processes of joint inflammation and erosion - at

the onset of disease or later - is of key importance for the patient's

prognosis and therapeutic strategy. This can be achieved today with

great precision and reliability through the use of modern imaging

methods like arthrosonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The REMISSION(PLUS) initiative aspires to integrate modern imaging

technologies as standard methods in the care and management of RA

patients. The main areas on which this initiative will be focusing are

the conceptualization and implementation of educational programs and

training seminars on sonography and MRI, the development and

establishment of case report forms for standardized documentation of

findings, and the systematic monitoring of patients on treatment, with

the aim of producing very precise documentation of structural change

processes in RA and also, if possible, to document radiological

remission or even progression. The REMISSION(PLUS) project also

includes the setting up of specialized centers of excellence, which

will network to support the implementation and access to the various

imaging procedures at hospitals, rheumatology clinics and rheumatology

practices nationwide.

PMID: 19011878

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19011878

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