Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that seriously affects the quality of life of patients. With the deepening of medical research, the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are constantly updated, providing clinicians with more scientific and effective guidance for diagnosis and treatment.
In terms of
diagnosis, the latest guidelines emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. The early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may be more insidious. However, persistent morning stiffness (usually at least 1 hour and lasting for more than 6 weeks), symmetrical inflammation of 3 or more joints (such as bilateral proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, wrist joints, etc.), positive autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor or anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, Rheumatoid arthritis should be highly suspected when there are changes such as osteoporosis and bone erosion on hand X-ray examination and many of the criteria are met. This will help doctors to detect the disease as early as possible and take timely intervention measures to delay the progress of the disease.
Treatment, follow the principle of standard treatment, that is, to achieve disease remission or low disease activity, in order to control the disease, reduce the disability rate, improve the quality of life of patients. Medication is still the core. First, traditional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, are the first choice for basic treatment. When single drug therapy fails to meet the standard, it can be combined with another or two traditional synthetic DMARDs, or combined with biological DMARDs or targeted synthetic DMARDs. The emergence of biological agents has brought a new breakthrough in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which can more accurately inhibit the inflammatory response, and has a significant effect on moderate and severe patients, but the side effects of drugs and the tolerance of patients need to be paid close attention to in the use process.
For patients with moderate/high disease activity, the guidelines recommend traditional synthetic DMARDs in combination with glucocorticoid therapy for rapid symptom control. However, glucocorticoids should not be used alone or in large doses for a long time in order to avoid serious adverse reactions. In addition, the lifestyle adjustment of patients can not be ignored. Smoking cessation, weight control, reasonable diet and proper exercise are helpful to improve the physical fitness of patients and their responsiveness to treatment.
Regular monitoring and follow-up are important links in the process of diagnosis and treatment. Doctors need to evaluate the treatment effect and adjust the treatment plan in time according to the symptoms, signs, laboratory tests and other indicators of patients. For patients whose treatment has reached the standard, regular review should also be carried out to prevent recurrence of the disease. At the same time, we should pay attention to the mental health of patients, because rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, patients may have anxiety, depression and other emotions, maintaining a relaxed and pleasant mood helps to improve the body’s immunity, and also has a positive impact on treatment.
In conclusion, the latest guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis provide clinicians with a comprehensive and systematic diagnosis and treatment strategy, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, individualized treatment, combined treatment and regular monitoring. Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor’s treatment, work together to control the disease and improve the quality of life.
