Centre for Policy on Ageing
 

 
Rheumatoid arthritis in the geriatric patient
Author(s)Leisa L Marshall
Journal titleJournal of Geriatric Drug Therapy, vol 12, no 4, 1999
Pagespp 45-72
KeywordsArthritis ; Rheumatism ; Drugs ; Therapy.
AnnotationRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic auto-immune disease. Cartilage and bone destruction occur early in the disease; and although total remission is uncommon, therapy can slow the rate of disease progression. Most geriatric patients with RA developed the disease in mid-life, but some patients have elderly onset RA. Those contracting the disease in later life usually have a milder form than those who develop RA earlier on. Goals of therapy include controlling disease activity, slowing joint damage, decreasing pain and inflammation, and maintaining function for activities of daily living (ADLs). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the pharmacological agents used most often. DMARDs are now used earlier in the disease than in the past to control symptoms and to decrease joint destruction. The risks and benefits of therapy must be considered in developing a treatment plan for a geriatric patient. (RH).
Accession NumberCPA-000601403 A
ClassmarkCLA: CLR: LLD: LO

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