Abstract
DOI: 10.25248/REAS-S40_2017
Objective: The objective of this study was to review the advances in Rheumatoid Arthritis studies published in scientific articles from 2000 to 2016. Methods: The databases Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar were used for the data collection using the terms : Rheumatoid arthritis, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment. Results and Discussion: Rheumatoid arthritis is still a disease of unknown etiology, and even with advances in biomedical research, it is only known that it is related to environmental, behavioral, lifestyle and alimentary factors. Recent data show that the pathogenic process at the molecular level is linked to the development of both endogenous and exogenous antigens, which are responsible for the development of the inflammatory process typical of the disease. Those responsible for exogenous development may be parvovirus, rubella virus, Epstein-Barr virus, HTLV- , mycoplasmas and mycobacteria. In addition, there are several immunological factors involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis that maintain the inflammatory process, making the pathophysiological investigations of the disease difficult. Final considerations: The diagnosis is non-specific and is based on laboratory markers, imaging tests and still found during clinical exams. Non-pharmacological and preventive treatments serve as the basis of therapy for all patients. In view of what has been shown there is a need to advance specific studies of rheumatoid arthritis.