The CRA has developed 2011/2012 recommendations for the pharmacological management of RA that take into consideration Canada’s current healthcare system. The recommendations address treatment questions identified from a national needs assessment survey of Canadian rheumatology professionals and are published in 2 parts.
Highlights from the 2011/ 2012 CRA Recommendations for RA
Part 1: RA Treatment Recommendations
- 5 overarching RA care principles
- 26 treatment recommendations addressing general RA treatment strategies as well as specific treatment strategies for the use of glucocorticoids and traditional and biologic DMARDs
- Summary RA assessment and treatment algorithms
Part 2: RA Safety Recommendation
13 recommendations addressing specific safety aspects of treatment with traditional and biologic DMARDs, including:
- Management of patients with malignancy (active and past)
- Perioperative management
- Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and indications for initiating TB prophylaxis
- Optimal vaccination practices (which vaccines are indicated in patients with RA).