Common denominators of inflammatory joint diseases
El-Gabalawy, H.
Journal of Rheumatology. Supplement 72: 3-6
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0380-0903 PMID: 15660454 Document Number: 590737
Inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) area heterogeneous group of disorder whose primary pathologic target is articular and periarticular tissue. Although each form of IJD is clinically distinct, these disorders share a number of common clinical, epidemiological, and pathogenetic elements In all cases. there is a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors that serves to initiate the process. and likely, there is a different set of interactions to perpetuate the arthritis. as well as determine the destructiveness of the process. There are a number of intervention checkpoints common to all forms of IJD. These include primary prevention by identifying populations at risk and environmental triggers: prevention of persistent syn-ovitis articular damage, and functional disability: and restoration of function. Research and innovation directed at each of these key intervention checkpoints will improve the care of these disorder,, and ultimately save valuable health care resources.