APLAR treatment recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects approximately 1% of the world’s population. There are a wide number of guidelines and recommendations avail-able to support the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; however, the evidence used for many of these guidelines is predominantly based on studies in Caucasian subjects and may not be relevant for patients in the Asia Pacific region. Therefore, the Aisa Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology establisehd a Steering Committee in 2013 to address this issue and 40 recommendations have been developed using the ADAPTE framework to systematically identify, appraise, synthesise, and adapt international rheumatoid arthritis guidelines for use in the Asia Pacific region. These recommendations, based on evidence and expert opinion, are intended to serve as a reference for best practice management of rheumatoid arthritis in Asia Pacific, focussing on local issues to help improve patient outcomes in the region. In addition, the document will serve as a refernece for national rheumatolog associations in Asia Pacific for development of guidelines in their respective countries