Publications by authors named "Balton C"
Article Synopsis
- - Early diagnosis and treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are crucial due to common issues of underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis, with South African guidelines offering methods for screening and useful investigations.
- - A multidisciplinary approach to managing axSpA is recommended, focusing on lifestyle changes like exercise, smoking cessation, and psychosocial support.
- - The ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score is suggested to track disease activity, alongside a stepwise therapy algorithm, and there is advice for screening comorbidities and ensuring vaccinations.
Background: It is plausible that optimal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management differs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from low or middle income compared to high income populations. This study aimed at producing evidence-based points to consider for CVD prevention in South African RA patients.
Methods: Five rheumatologists, one cardiologist and one epidemiologist with experience in CVD risk management in RA patients, as well as two patient representatives, two health professionals and one radiologist, one rheumatology fellow and 11 rheumatologists that treat RA patients regularly contributed.