Rheumatoid arthritis

Our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and possible treatments of autoimmune diseases has significantly increased over the past decade. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease, afflicting ¿1% of the population. RA is characterized by synovitis, pannus formation and bone erosion. New biologic therapies are used to treat various autoimmune diseases including RA. This book throws light on the new era in the management of RA and on the medications with potential therapeutic effects. The book presents an overview on the pathogenesis of the disease, therapeutic targets and the evolution of therapies. It is designed to provide a useful and informative outline for medical students and professionals and the content is sufficiently comprehensive serving as a reference for clinicians dealing with rheumatoid arthritis patients. Readers will take a worthy idea on the etiology of the disease and the advanced concepts in its management. This book should prove useful in throwing light on the medications used in the management of RA patients in order to improve their health and quality of life.