Rheumatoid arthritis: the role of a general practitioner in improving disease outcomes

N.V. Chichasova^1,2, A.M. Lila^1,2, A.L. Vertkin³

¹Research Institute of Rheumatology named after V.A. Nasonova, Moscow

²Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow

³A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow

The article discusses the role of a primary care physician (therapist) in improving the immediate and long-term outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 2010 Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification Criteria, created for early diagnosis of the disease are presented in this aticle. These classification criteria describe the RA pathogenetic stages from the phase of autoimmune disorders induction to the clinical stage. According to the National Guidelines on the RA stages diagnosis for general practitioners, there are simplified criteria for early RA diagnosis, in the presence of which the patient should immediately be referred to a rheumatologist. The RA onset variants and recommendations for the necessary laboratory and instrumental examination of a patient with detected arthritis are also given.  The European League Against Rheumatism presents the arthralgia definition suspected of developing RA, which directs the general practitioners to identify RA in patients at a very early (preclinical) stage. It also brings up the principles of RA therapy, the place of symptomatic and baseline therapy and the need for early prescription of adequate therapy to improve the diseases outcomes. At present, the possibilities of methotrexate as an anchor drug in the RA treatment are being discussed: the conditions necessary to achieve the maximum and long-term methotrexate effect by using the subcutaneous form of the drug and the role of the general practitioner in conducting controlled treatment of patients with RA. Recommendations for the prevention and treatment of adverse reactions during the methotrexate use, for screening during planning the prescription of genetically engineered biological drugs and Janus kinase inhibitors are presented. The article also discusses the infeasibility  concerning the unjustified discontinuation of baseline treatment.

Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, diagnostics, treatment tactics, methotrexate, efficacy, safety.

For citation: Chichasova N.V., Lila A.M., Vertkin A.L. Rheumatoid arthritis: the role of a general practitioner in improving disease outcomes. RMJ. 2020;9:51–58.