Reviews & Analysis

Since the introduction of new biologic agents and intensive treatment strategies that aim to tightly control disease activity, clinical remission has become a realistic target in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Once patients are in continuous remission, however, is it realistic to consider withdrawing DMARD therapy?

Several lines of evidence both from experimental models and from clinical studies reveal that TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A) and its interaction with death receptor 3 (DR3) is critically involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

What is the psychological and clinical effectiveness of a home-based emotional disclosure intervention? Results from a randomized, controlled trial of such an intervention in patients with rheumatoid arthritis could have implications for the future of therapeutic research and clinical practice.

Septic arthritis kills 10–15% of patients, despite advances in medical treatment over the past 50 years. Is it time to revisit the question of whether, in addition to medical treatment, joint surgery is necessary?

Antimalarial agents have long been used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, despite uncertainty regarding the exact mechanisms underlying their various effects. Growing evidence that these drugs offer protection from major infections could stimulate more research into these mechanisms, with possible implications for therapy.

Surgery is the current mainstay of treatment for Dupuytren disease but is associated with potentially serious complications and a high rate of recurrence. A phase III study of enzymatic fasciotomy promises advances towards effective nonsurgical treatment of this debilitating disorder.