Earlier biologicals in RA?

The British Society for Rheumatology and British Health Professionals in Rheumatology have called for biological agents to be introduced earlier in the course of rheumatoid arthritis (Rheumatology 2010; doi:10.1093/rheumatology/ keq006b).

    In new evidence-based guidance on eligibility criteria for first treatment with biological agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, they say the current disease activity threshold for biological therapy is too high.
    Disease activity is assessed on the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28). The current threshold for treatment is >5.1 but the new guidance says outcomes are similar for patients with DAS >3.2 and they should have access to treatment.