New Classification Criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by joint swelling, joint tenderness, and the destruction of bone and joints. It also has multiple systemic manifestations, resulting in functional disability and premature mortality. Since the introduction of various disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and new biological agents, early diagnosis and treatment of this disease has become the most important therapeutic strategy. However, the existing classification criteria for RA, the 1987 revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for RA, have limited diagnostic accuracy for early RA. Therefore, new classification criteria that include early RA are needed. Consequently, a joint working group of the ACR and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) was formed to develop a new approach to the classification for RA and developed the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. This review describes the content and clinical importance of these new classification criteria.