Towards prevention of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that can result in high morbidity and economic costs. Recent evidence has suggested that early agressive treatment can prevent RA from becoming chronic. This thesis describes which (patient-related) factors are associated with chronicity of RA. Furthermore, this thesis describes the hypothesis that when patients suspected for developing RA are treated in a preclinical phase (before clinical arthritis has developed)develop RA can be prevented.