A recommendation on nonpharmacologic interventions also is included, which states that physical exercise and occupational therapy should be considered as adjunctive therapy.
In addition, the task force came up with a list of 10 research questions that need to be answered, which included items on risk prediction, optimal treatment combinations, and dosing regimens.
As with other EULAR guidelines, a flow chart is included that summarizes the recommendations to help guide physicians on when and how to treat, when to adapt dosing or change medication, and other treatments and approaches to consider.
There is a new recommendation on prevention highlighting the importance of smoking cessation, dental care, weight control, vaccination, and managing comorbidities.
Once the guidelines have been finalized, they will be published in the EULAR journal, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, later in the year.
Dr. Combe has received research grants and honoraria from Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, and UCB, and honoraria from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Merck Sharpe and Dohme, and Novartis.