[In this review, we follow the consecutive steps of the internationally accepted therapeutic strategy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We summarise in brief the current European recommendations, and provide some advice on methotrexate (MTX) therapy. The initiation, maintenance and, if needed, switch of biological therapy is also discussed. Having reached remission or low disease activity (LDA), tapering or discontinuation of biologics may be considered. Finally, we review the possibilities and the most important biomarkers of personalised treatment.]

[Definitive autoimmune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases are often preceded by undifferentiated clinical syndromes including undifferentiated polyarthritis (UDP), undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These are considered as distinct clinical entities. However, due to extensive overlapping patterns in clinical picture and treatment, these diseases may be commonly termed as ”early arthritis”. The optimal follow-up of such patients may only be carried out at specialized early arthritis clinics. Effective patient care should include the early use of prognostic indicators, as well as flexible pharmacological therapy.]

[We conducted the first Hungarian open-label study using infliximab (Remicade) in 62 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The mean disease duration was 8.7 years. Patients receiving methotrexate for at least 3 months with active RA were included in the study. All patients received concomittant methotrexate treatment. Results indicated a 61%, 35% and 18% improvement in ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70, respectively. In most patients, dramatic improvement was seen as soon as after the first or second infusion.]

[Animal models of experimental arthritis can be used to understand pathophysiology of the arthritic processes in patients and provide opportunity to develop new therapeutic approaches. The animal models can be divided into different categories based on the pathomechanism of the model and on the features that resemble human inflammatory joint diseases. This review provides an overview of the most widely used types of experimental arthritis models emphasizing their advantages and limitations in the basic arthritis research.]

[Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune rheumatic condition of unknown origin. Due to its high prevalence, incompletely solved therapy, significant impact on mortality and morbidity, and the psychological and economic burden it puts on the patient, family and society, rheumatoid arthritis has a major public health significance. Although its importance is still underestimated both by the public and the medical community, today an improving tendency can be observed. The past decade has seen important breakthroughs in terms of increased recognition of the significance of the disease, as well as in its pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy. The introduction of new diagnostic and prognostic markers and early aggressive treatment, the establishment of early arthritis clinics, and, most importantly, the successful use of biological therapy have revolutionized the management of rheumatoid arthritis. The paper reviews the modern therapy of the disease, touching on the options available in Hungary.]