Rheumatoid arthritis treatment has had three distinct trends. From 1982-1990, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were primarily used to treat the disease. From 1991-2000, methotrexate and other DMARDs were emphasized. After 2001, a combination of DMARDs and biologic drugs became the focus of treatment. According to a report published online September 27, 2011 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, disability in rheumatoid arthritis has declined about 1.7% per year since DMARDs were used, especially methotrexate.
Researchers from Stanford University assessed disability in 4,651 patients using a Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) at 6 month intervals between 1983 and 2006. Patients were asked to rate their disability using a 3-point scale, evaluating dressing/grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities. The average HAQ score improved from 1.3 in the 1980s to 1.2 in the 1990s. In the 2000s, the HAQ score was 1.1 or lower. While there are likely other contributing factors, DMARDs/biologics have decreased disability in rheumatoid arthritis.
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