Autoimmune rheumatic diseases: recent advances and current challenges

Cicuttini, Flavia M

doi:10.5694/mja17.00047

Biological disease-modifying agents are transforming the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Over the past decade, the advent of biological disease-modifying agents has led to transformational changes in the management of inflammatory joint diseases. This has been most obvious with advances in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, steady progress is also being made in treating lupus and other autoimmune rheumatic conditions. In this issue of the MJA, several articles discuss these developments along with current challenges.

Monash University, Melbourne, VIC

Correspondence: flavia.cicuttini@monash.edu

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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2. Golder V, Hoi A. Systemic lupus erythematosus: an update. Med J Aust 2017; 206: 215-220.
3. O’Neill S, Morand EF, Hoi A. The Australian Lupus Registry and Biobank: a timely initiative. Med J Aust 2017; 206: 194-195.
4. Brown M, Bradbury LA. New approaches in ankylosing spondylitis. Med J Aust 2017; 206: 192-194.
5. Agca R, Heslinga SC, Rollefstad S, et al. EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory joint disorders: 2015/2016 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 0: 1-12.
6. Singh JA, Saag KG, Bridges SL Jr, et al. 2015 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res 2016: 68: 1-25.
7. Hart C, Ferdinands M, Barnsley L. Ocular complications of rheumatic diseases. Med J Aust 2017; 206: 224-228.
8. Chou L, Briggs AM, Wluka AE. Patient-centred management of inflammatory arthritis: more than just disease control. Med J Aust 2017; 206: 196-197.

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