Canadian Recommendations for Management of RA

The most recently updated CRA living guidelines for the pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are now available on MAGICapp here.

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:

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)
Management of patients with malignancy (active and past)

Recommendations grouped in to user-friendly tables/checklists.