Remission criteria for rheumatoid arthritis revised

Medicine & Science A research group led by Paul Studenic from the Department of Internal Medicine III at MedUni Vienna has revalidated the remission criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and adapted the definition according to Boolean. The researchers' study was published in the renowned journal "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases". More than ten years ago, a consortium with representatives from the American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology established temporary remission criteria. It is important that remission - i.e. the reduction of the disease - is defined as a state in which the disease is largely free of inflammation. This should be accompanied by a good health-related quality of life without an increase in structural or radiographic progression. The treatment goal must be agreed with the patient, but the therapy should be designed to bring the patient into remission. This is to minimise the risk of future deterioration.