A 48-year-old woman with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis affecting wrists and MCP joints has raised inflammatory markers and positive rheumatoid ...

Question

A 48-year-old woman with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis affecting wrists and MCP joints has raised inflammatory markers and positive rheumatoid factor. X-rays show no erosions. What is the most appropriate initial disease-modifying treatment?

Accepted Answer

Start methotrexate with folic acid supplementation

Answer

Use NSAIDs alone for long-term control

Answer

Delay DMARDs until erosions develop

Answer

Start chronic high-dose prednisolone without DMARD

Answer

Refer only for physiotherapy and splints

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Rheumatoid arthritis DMARD initiation

A 48-year-old woman with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis affecting wrists and MCP joints has raised inflammatory markers and positive rheumatoid factor. X-rays show no erosions. What is the most appropriate initial disease-modifying treatment?