RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: PATHOGENESIS, DIAGNOSIS, AND CONTEMPORARY THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Keywords:
Rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, synovitis, biologic therapy, DMARDs, inflammationAbstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized primarily by persistent synovial inflammation, progressive joint destruction, and extra-articular manifestations. It affects approximately 0.5–1% of the global population and leads to significant morbidity, disability, and reduced quality of life. The disease is driven by complex interactions between genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and immune dysregulation. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment have been shown to improve long-term outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive overview of rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on its pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, therapeutic strategies, and recent advances in clinical management. The analysis is based on peer-reviewed clinical trials, international guidelines, and authoritative rheumatology literature.
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