Rheumatoid Arthritis, 1970-1972

Major developments and trends in the study and management of rheumatoid arthritis from 1970 through 1972 are reviewed. Its prevalence and genetics, pathologic features and metabolic abnormalities, manifestations and complications, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment are discussed. Infection, an important complication of rheumatoid arthritis, is also pertinent to its etiology. Immune mechanisms are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. There is little change in major principles of management, although methods of assessing disease activity have been improved. Emphasis on the use of immunosuppressive drugs is increasing.