The Treatment of RA.... | Arthritis Information

 

McInnes I et al. – Taking a “snap-shot” view of the clinical practice patterns of rheumatologists enables us to understand how we differ in true-life decision-making between countries and what rheumatologists perceive as the optimal approach to treatment strategy and decisions about therapy. Early identification of disease and effective treatment strategies for patients with rapidly progressing RA is essential to change the course of disease and improve patient outcomes.

Methods

• Primary objective of this survey:
  1. Identify the primary treatment goals for RA pts
  2. Determine if pts with rapidly progressing RA are placed into a distinct treatment category
  3. Identify the critical barriers that prevent the identification and treatment of pts with rapidly progressing RA
• A questionnaire-based study performed across Europe and Canada, choosing different health economic climates to avoid local biases
• To be eligible for the RA survey:
  • Rheumatologists must have been treating, on average, ≥10 RA pts each month
  • Prescribing biologic therapy for treatment
  • All rheumatologists surveyed must have been in clinical practice for at least 1 year since completing medical training

Results

• 458 rheumatologists responded to the online and telephone survey
• Rapidly progressing disease was overwhelmingly recognized (97%)
• 88% of respondents made treatment decisions based on this distinction
• Most rheumatologists used measures including:
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • Tender/swollen joint counts, and
  • X-ray progression to diagnose and monitor this particular group of pts
    Only 30% used MRI to identify and monitor pts with rapidly progressing disease
• Although treatment goals for these pts were similar among rheumatologists, the treatment approach varied considerably across countries
• Overall, rheumatologists agree on the management goals for pts with rapidly progressing RA
• However, their treatment patterns have some dissimilarities

http://www.springerlink.com/content/b16x4610202p681r/

I've been curious about a study linking recognition, care and treatment plans by country.  Just wish this one was a little more in depth. Just enough info to make me more curious.  If you find anything else that pertains to this, please post.  Lynn, thanks.  LindyThanks Lynn
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