Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic arthritis, with autoimmune mechanism. The disease is manifested as chronic inflammatory arthritis with active periods and systemic extraarticular features. At present, in many countries, diagnosis of the disease is based on the 1987 American College of Rheumatology Criteria. However, the limitation of the ACR 1987 criteria is unable to diagnose the disease in early stage. Therefore, American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism recommend ACR/EULAR 2010 for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, some autoantibodies, such as anti-CCP antibody (anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody), together with RF (rheumatoid factor), are used in clinical practice in supporting diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging are able to discover injuries in rheumatoid arthritis in early stage of the disease, particularly, synovitis, bone erosion. These elements help to evaluate the disease in early stage, from that, appropriate interventions are decided. Classic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including methotrexate, anti malarial... play an important role in maintaining disease state. However, these drugs are not effective in some cases. From understandings of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, biologics (also named biologic DMARDs), are used in treatment of the disease with good results in improving of joint symptoms and extra-articular manifestations. In addition, these medications also protect joint structures, preserve functions and improve quality of life for the patients. Moreover, other modalities such as rehabilitation, orthopedics, patient management and education for returning to community are also important in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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