Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?

<b>Background</b>: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by systemic inflammation and the progressive damage of joints, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Managing this condition requires a complex approach that integrates pharmacological...

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Main Authors: Adriana Liliana Vlad, Corina Popazu, Alina-Maria Lescai, Doina Carina Voinescu, Alexia Anastasia Ștefania Baltă
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Clinics and Practice
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/15/6/103
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author Adriana Liliana Vlad
Corina Popazu
Alina-Maria Lescai
Doina Carina Voinescu
Alexia Anastasia Ștefania Baltă
author_facet Adriana Liliana Vlad
Corina Popazu
Alina-Maria Lescai
Doina Carina Voinescu
Alexia Anastasia Ștefania Baltă
author_sort Adriana Liliana Vlad
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background</b>: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by systemic inflammation and the progressive damage of joints, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Managing this condition requires a complex approach that integrates pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, alongside psychosocial support and patient education. Aim: This study aims to highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on the role of pharmacological therapies, monitoring treatment response, and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team in the effective management of the disease. <b>Methods</b>: The analysis was based on a review of the specialised literature concerning the role of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs, both conventional and biological), the use of inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR), advanced imaging techniques, and the contribution of various medical specialities to the holistic management of rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 595,900 records were identified, of which 53 studies were ultimately included in the detailed analysis. Relevant studies from fields such as rheumatology, nutrition, psychology, and physical therapy were included. <b>Results</b>: The findings underline that DMARDs, in combination with other pharmacological therapies, remain essential for slowing disease progression. Monitoring treatment response through inflammatory markers and imaging techniques allows for the adjustment of therapeutic strategies and the prevention of complications. An interdisciplinary approach, involving the rheumatologist, general practitioner, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and psychologist, provides significant benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving joint function, and offering psychosocial support. <b>Conclusions</b>: The effective management of rheumatoid arthritis requires a personalised interdisciplinary approach. Integrating various specialities, along with patient education and psychosocial support, contributes to better disease management, the prevention of disabilities, and improved quality of life. This review is not registered.
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spelling doaj-art-050b031d692c40dfa97bd31c5cb6885e2025-08-20T03:27:21ZengMDPI AGClinics and Practice2039-72832025-05-0115610310.3390/clinpract15060103Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?Adriana Liliana Vlad0Corina Popazu1Alina-Maria Lescai2Doina Carina Voinescu3Alexia Anastasia Ștefania Baltă4Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 800008 Galați, Romania<b>Background</b>: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by systemic inflammation and the progressive damage of joints, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Managing this condition requires a complex approach that integrates pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, alongside psychosocial support and patient education. Aim: This study aims to highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on the role of pharmacological therapies, monitoring treatment response, and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team in the effective management of the disease. <b>Methods</b>: The analysis was based on a review of the specialised literature concerning the role of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs, both conventional and biological), the use of inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR), advanced imaging techniques, and the contribution of various medical specialities to the holistic management of rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 595,900 records were identified, of which 53 studies were ultimately included in the detailed analysis. Relevant studies from fields such as rheumatology, nutrition, psychology, and physical therapy were included. <b>Results</b>: The findings underline that DMARDs, in combination with other pharmacological therapies, remain essential for slowing disease progression. Monitoring treatment response through inflammatory markers and imaging techniques allows for the adjustment of therapeutic strategies and the prevention of complications. An interdisciplinary approach, involving the rheumatologist, general practitioner, physiotherapist, nutritionist, and psychologist, provides significant benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving joint function, and offering psychosocial support. <b>Conclusions</b>: The effective management of rheumatoid arthritis requires a personalised interdisciplinary approach. Integrating various specialities, along with patient education and psychosocial support, contributes to better disease management, the prevention of disabilities, and improved quality of life. This review is not registered.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/15/6/103rheumatoid arthritisinterdisciplinary approachDMARDscorticosteroidsNSAIDsinflammatory monitoring
spellingShingle Adriana Liliana Vlad
Corina Popazu
Alina-Maria Lescai
Doina Carina Voinescu
Alexia Anastasia Ștefania Baltă
Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?
Clinics and Practice
rheumatoid arthritis
interdisciplinary approach
DMARDs
corticosteroids
NSAIDs
inflammatory monitoring
title Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?
title_full Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?
title_fullStr Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?
title_full_unstemmed Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?
title_short Where Do We Stand in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis Ahead of EULAR/ACR 2025?
title_sort where do we stand in the management of rheumatoid arthritis ahead of eular acr 2025
topic rheumatoid arthritis
interdisciplinary approach
DMARDs
corticosteroids
NSAIDs
inflammatory monitoring
url https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/15/6/103
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