Werner Kulp, Michael Corzillus, Wolfgang Greiner, Ludger Pientka, Uwe Siebert, Johann-Matthias von der Schulenburg, Jürgen Wasem
OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent inflammatory rheumatic disorder. It is a chronic and incurable disease that leads to painful inflammation, often irreversible joint damage, and eventually to functional loss. Conventional treatment is based on unspecific immunosuppressive agents, e.g. Methotrexate, Azathioprin or Gold. However, the longterm outcomes of these approaches have been poor with frequently ongoing inflammatory disease activity, functional decline, and temporary or permanent work disability...
December 21, 2005: GMS Health Technology Assessment