Rheumatoid arthritis: partnering for optimal care

Not all patients with RA have an identifiable genetic component.4 Additionally, certain environmental factors (eg, smoking, pulmonary disease) and infectious agents (eg, Escherichia coli, Porphyromonas gingivalis, EpsteinBarr virus) have been associated with an increased risk of RA.1 Pathophysiology In RA, the body's immune system is unable to distinguish between self-tissue and foreign tissue. [...]the immune system attacks the body's own synovial and connective tissues. Patients may also develop hammer toe deformities, bunions, and calluses, which can further impact ambulation. [...]early treatment to prevent progression of inflammation is important.1 Due to RA's systemic nature, extraarticular involvement may occur.