Rheumatoid arthritis in adults: management

Analgesics:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of analgesic drugs other than non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) whose pain or stiffness control is not adequate?

Short-term bridging treatment with glucocorticoids:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of short-term bridging treatment with glucocorticoids for adults with RA starting a new disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), including the most effective dosing strategy and mode of administration?

Ultrasound in monitoring:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of using ultrasound to monitor disease in adults with RA when clinical examination is inconclusive or inconsistent with other signs of disease activity?

Ultrasound in diagnosis:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of using ultrasound in addition to clinical assessment when there is uncertainty about the diagnosis in adults with suspected RA?

Management of poor prognosis:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of managing RA with a poor prognosis (identified as presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [CCP] antibodies or evidence of erosions on X-ray at diagnosis) with a different strategy from that used for standard management of RA?

Subcutaneous methotrexate:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of subcutaneous methotrexate compared with oral methotrexate for adults with early onset RA starting a new DMARD?