Rheumatoid Arthritis

Biologic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have helped many patients to achieve remission or low disease activity—the primary goal of therapy. This free electronic textbook provides up-to-date information on currently available and investigational biologic agents including TNF inhibitors, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1 inhibitors, T-cell costimulatory blockers, and B-cell targeting therapies. The text is supplemented by hyperlinks to external multimedia resources such as illustrations, videos, journal articles, and other resources that enhance understanding of relevant issues. The first chapter describes the pathophysiology of RA and implications for therapy. Chapter 2 discusses diagnosis. In Chapter 3, the rationale for seeking remission or low disease activity in all patients with RA, and tools for measuring disease activity are reviewed. Chapter 4 evaluates efficacy and safety of TNF inhibitors after a decade of use. Chapter 5 describes available non-TNF-targeting biologic agents for RA, including agents that target IL-6, IL-1, T-cell costimulation, or B-cells. Chapters6 and 7, respectively, describe emerging oral and parenteral biologic therapies for RA; Lastly, Chapter 8 covers monitoring and treatment of comorbid conditions. This online textbook offers CME, CE, and CPE credit to rheumatologists, primary care physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis.