What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated inflammation of synovial joints, leading to significant impairment of joint structure and function. It most commonly presents as chronic inflammatory arthritis that begins with inflammation of the synovial membrane in affected joints. Over time, persistent inflammation can damage cartilage and bone, causing joint deformity and reduced mobility. As the disease progresses, it may also involve other organs and lead to long-term disability if not properly managed.
Treatments of RA have evolved remarkably over time. Early therapies included non-specific drugs such as aspirin, followed by cortisone and methotrexate. In the last two decades, biologic therapies have revolutionized disease management, and today innovative approaches such as CAR-T cell therapy represent a promising new frontier in RA treatment.
At the same time, RA diagnostics have advanced from relying solely on Rheumatoid Factor (RF) to incorporating ACPA (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies) tests, including citrulline peptide (anti-CCP) and citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV), enabling more complete and precise diagnosis.
These improvements in the diagnostic tools are included in the ACR-EULAR classification criteria for RA, established in 2010 as a pillar for the correct management of patients affected by RA.
