Arthrheuma Society of Kenya consensus report: Recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to recommend Arthrheuma Society of Kenya (ARSK) proposed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) management and to compose a national expert opinion management of RA under guidance of current guidelines and implantation and dissemination of these international guidelines into our clinical practice.

Materials and methods: A scientific committee of nineteen experts consisting of nine rheumatologists, three rheumatology nurses and seven physicians was formed. The recommendations, systemic reviews, and meta-analysis including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment were scrutinized paying special attention with convenient key words. The draft ARSK recommendations for management of RA opinion whose roof consisted of international treatment recommendations, particularly the assessment of American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/ European League Against Rheumatism was composed. Assessment of level of agreement with opinions by task force members was established through the Delphi technique. Voting using a numerical rating scale assessed the strength of each recommendation.

Results: Panel comprised of six basic principles and recommendations including pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. All of the recommendations had adequate strength.

Conclusion: ARSK expert opinion for the management of RA was developed based on scientifi c evidence. These recommendations will be updated regularly in accordance with current developments.

Keywords: Arthrheuma Society of Kenya, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Management guidelines