Rheumatoid arthritis

It is difficult to determine from ancient writings, old human specimens, and from Art over the centuries, as to when Rheumatoid Arthritis first appeared. It may be a relatively modern condition, as it was reasonably well described in the seventeenth century. Augustin Jacob Landre-Beauvais (1772-1840), University of Paris is credited, with the first clear description of the disease in his thesis. In 1859 Sir Alfred Baring Garrod (1819-1907), the father of rheumatology, gave the disease its current name which was finally adapted in Britain by the Ministry of Health in 1922. Some forms of Juvenile Arthritis are related to adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (aka Still's disease). If untreated Rheumatoid arthritis can result in severe destructive joint damage and often there are associated severe systemic complications. Disease modifying agents have benefited the disease management, but it was the discovery of the anti TNF-alpha agents in the 1990s, and subsequently many additional Biologic agents, which have greatly changed the clinical outcome in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Automated summary

It is difficult to determine the exact origin of Rheumatoid Arthritis, but there were clear descriptions in the 17th century. Augustin Jacob Landre-Beauvais is credited with the first clear description of the disease in his thesis. Sir Alfred Baring Garrod gave the disease its current name in 1859, which was later adapted by the Ministry of Health in Britain in 1922. Some forms of Juvenile Arthritis are related to adult Rheumatoid Arthritis, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe joint damage and systemic complications. The discovery of anti TNF-alpha agents in the 1990s and subsequent biologic agents have greatly improved the clinical outcome of Rheumatoid Arthritis.