Rheumatoid arthritis ‘may be a syndrome, not a single condition’

Scientists in Belgium have published research providing evidence that rheumatoid arthritis could be more accurately considered as a syndrome, rather than a single disease.

The team from VIB and Ghent University conducted a study of protein complexes called inflammasomes that revealed a new biological process that could be targeted and blocked as a means of treating this form of arthritis.

In doing so, the researchers stated the case for rheumatoid arthritis to be viewed as a syndrome, due to the fact that similar symptoms associated with the condition can have various different causes.

This would make it easier for clinicians to test for and assess the different genetic causes of the condition, allowing patients with different variants of the condition to receive specific personalised treatment.

Study leader Mohamed Lamkanfi, of VIB and Ghent University, said: "This knowledge could result in a more personalised approach to treatment, with the most suitable medicines selected according to the patient's profile."

Rheumatoid arthritis is estimated to affect more than 580,000 people in England and Wales, occurring more frequently in women than men.