Early identification of Clinically Suspect Arthralgia (CSA) likely to progress to Rheumatoid Arthritis EULAR definition

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease affecting 0.5 to 1 % of the population.(1) There are ample evidences to suggest that early initiation of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis is more effective than with delayed initiation of such treatment particularly in modulating the erosive and persistent rheumatoid arthritis.(2) Preceding the onset of clinical arthritis, interventions in the initial phase of the clinical disease, may be more effective in reducing the risk of persistent disease and minimizing the damage.