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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that primarily targets synovial tissues. It is relatively common with a prevalence of approximately 1% in adults all over the world.
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The following Clinical Topic Tour provides an overview of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and was adapted from materials published by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by symmetric inflammatory polyarthritis and varying degrees of extraarticular involvement. A chronic fluctuating course of the disease is experienced by most patients that may result in joint destruction, deformity, disability and premature death. 1?4 Major economic and emotional disabilities can result from RA and can have a significant impact on patients? families and loved ones.
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The management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has changed substantially over recent years. The emphasis is now on making an early diagnosis of RA, which still relies largely on clinical experience.
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