Update of the Mexican College of Rheumatology Guidelines for the Pharmacological Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, 2018

Abstract

Therapeutic advances in rheumatoid arthritis require periodic review of treatment guidelines.

Objective: To update the Mexican College of Rheumatology guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Method: Board certified rheumatologists from different health institutions and regions of the country participated. Work teams were formed that reviewed the previous guidelines, elaborated new questions, reviewed the literature, and scored the evidence that was presented and discussed in plenary session. The conclusions were presented to infectologists, gynaecologists and patients. Recommendations were based on levels of evidence according to GRADE methodology.

Results: Updated recommendations on the use of available medications for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Mexico up to 2017 are presented. The importance of adequate and sustained control of the disease is emphasized and relevant safety aspects are described. Bioethical conflicts are included, and government action is invited to strengthen correct treatment of the disease.

Conclusions: The updated recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology on the pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporate the best available information to be used in the Mexican health care system.

Keywords: Artritis reumatoide; Estrategia terapéutica y vacunación; Recomendaciones; Recommendations; Rheumatoid arthritis; Therapeutic strategy and vaccination; Tratamiento; Treatment.