THERAPEUTIC PROGRESS .1. CURRENT TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Over recent years the pharmacological treatment strategy for rheumatoi d arthritis (RA) has changed. An early, aggressive approach has been a dopted with a view to maintaining functional capacity. The changing ro le of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents is discussed in the light of the potential toxicity of this class of drugs. The current use of s econd-line agents is dealt with in depth and includes guidelines to pa tient monitoring. Particular attention has been paid to the growing us e of cyclosporin A in the treatment of RA as this drug represents the newest, most potent, nonexperimental form of treatment. The questions of when to introduce second-line agents, who should receive treatment and how many drugs should be prescribed are all addressed in this revi ew. The relative efficacy and toxicity of these agents is discussed an d a treatment protocol is proposed.