2023-08-23 09:35:13
“New Step-by-Step Plan Developed for Difficult-to-Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Says Researcher Nadia Roodenrijs”
Utrecht, August 23, 2023 – The attention for difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increasing, with research by Nadia Roodenrijs, a rheumatologist in training at UMC Utrecht, leading to the development of a step-by-step plan for the structured approach and treatment of this patient group. Roodenrijs emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic view when dealing with difficult-to-treat patients.
Roodenrijs, who received her PhD for this research in June 2021, continues to share her findings through presentations. Recently, she spoke at the spring conference of NERASS, the Dutch association for rheumatic surgery, where she noticed a keen interest among practitioners in the subject matter. The step-by-step plan, which is now widely recognized, is regularly being implemented at UMCU.
“We wanted to better understand why some patients continue to have complaints, partly to prevent irreversible damage,” explains Roodenrijs, who is both a researcher and a rheumatologist in training.
Despite the availability of new medications, such as biologics and JAK inhibitors, it is estimated that 5 to 20% of RA patients remain difficult to treat. This means there are approximately 13,000 to 50,000 people in the Netherlands who fall into this category. Roodenrijs’s research aims to shed light on the reasons why these patients continue to experience symptoms and to find ways to prevent further joint damage.
Roodenrijs’s research consists of two projects, one of which focuses on patients who are difficult to treat in multiple aspects. The step-by-step plan developed from these projects provides a comprehensive approach to address the specific challenges faced by these patients.
This research is a significant step forward for the medical community in tackling difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis. By recognizing the unique needs of these patients and providing a structured approach, healthcare professionals can improve the quality of care and potentially prevent irreversible joint damage.
As the understanding of difficult-to-treat RA continues to evolve, it is hoped that more effective treatments and strategies will be developed to alleviate the burden of this debilitating disease on those affected.]
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