This thesis addresses various aspects regarding the treatment of patients with early, active rheumatoid arthritis. The main conclusion of this thesis is that patients with RA benefit from... Show moreThis thesis addresses various aspects regarding the treatment of patients with early, active rheumatoid arthritis. The main conclusion of this thesis is that patients with RA benefit from combination therapy on the short-term, and the treat-to-target approach determines the success of the long-term outcomes. Following this strategy, high percentages of low disease activity and remission are achieved, and even drug-free remission has shown to be realistic outcome. As a result, functional ability remains stable over time (after improvement during the first year after initiating treatment), radiographic progression is limited in most patients and excess mortality was not observed. Show less
