Vikingsson A, Graziano F M
Section of Rheumatology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison.
Postgrad Med. 1993 Dec;94(8):165-9, 173-4, 180.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disorder that does not have the favorable outcome it was once thought to have. A detailed clinical history, thorough physical examination, and judicious use of serologic tests and radiologic studies should allow accurate diagnosis, even at an early stage. Traditional therapy can successfully improve short-term functional status but may not alter long-term outcome. Early, aggressive therapy may improve prognosis, but this approach must be further studied and, if attempted, should be done in consultation with a rheumatologist.
类风湿性关节炎是一种常见疾病，其预后并不像人们曾经认为的那样良好。详细的临床病史、全面的体格检查以及合理运用血清学检查和放射学研究，即使在早期也应能实现准确诊断。传统疗法可成功改善短期功能状态，但可能无法改变长期预后。早期积极治疗或许能改善预后，但这种方法必须进一步研究，若要尝试，应在与风湿病学家协商后进行。
