The study groups were created by PANLAR in 2002, with the Arthritis group being one of the founding groups. Together with the former Latin American Group for Rheumatoid Arthritis (GLADAR), the first position paper on Rheumatoid Arthritis in Latin America was developed in 2003, published in 2006, and later a second consensus on the management of RA patients was completed in 2009.

Later, the Early Arthritis group was founded. In 2015, the first PANLAR review course on Rheumatoid Arthritis was held with the collaboration of former members of both PANLAR groups. From the merger of these two groups, the new PANLAR Rheumatoid Arthritis study group was officially created during the 2017 call.

 

Objectives of the group
 

• Deepen the study of RA in the American continent.
• Collaborate with PANLAR’s vision of becoming the leading provider of education, science, practice standards, and references in rheumatology in Latin America with regard to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

Introduction
 

The PANLAR Rheumatoid Arthritis Group has been actively engaged in updating scientific evidence and promoting education in the region, with a strong emphasis on developing clinical practice guidelines and training healthcare professionals. Over the past year, several key projects and activities have been consolidated, strengthening its mission and commitment to rheumatology in Latin America.

 

 

Main Activities

 

1. Development of PANLAR Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Practice Guidelines

One of the most significant achievements of the year was the development of the new PANLAR Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Practice Guidelines, created in collaboration with the REAL/PANLAR group. The previous version dated back more than 15 years, making it essential to update them in light of advances in biologic therapies and new treatments.

The process involved an extensive literature review, multiple rounds of expert discussions across Latin America, and the integration of key concepts to enhance applicability. Innovative elements included the addition of fundamental principles and key definitions to improve understanding among various stakeholders in the healthcare system. The project also incorporated the work of the PANLAR Rheumatoid Arthritis Centers of Excellence and the Latin American RA Patient Registry, coordinated by the Research Unit.

The guidelines were presented at the PANLAR 2024 Congress before an audience of more than 1,000 participants, in a session moderated by Dr. Lorena Brance and Dr. Enrique Soriano, with contributions from Dr. Carlo Vinicio Caballero, Dr. Rodrigo García Salinas, and Dr. Pedro Santos Moreno.

 

2. Course on Diagnosis and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another milestone was the development of a specialized course on the diagnosis and treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, organized in collaboration with Global Rheumatology. Aimed at rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals, the course provided updated knowledge based on the best available evidence and promoted a comprehensive approach to RA in the region. The course has already exceeded 6,200 views in the journal.

 

 

Publications and Presented Works

 

The group has continued its scientific production with the publication of relevant articles on Rheumatoid Arthritis in indexed journals. See panlar.org/artritis-reumatoide.

In addition, several studies have been presented at regional and international scientific events, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in the field of rheumatology.

The guidelines are currently in their final stages before submission for publication.

 

Group Composition

 

The group has maintained its consolidated structure, with the participation of leading rheumatologists in the region and close collaboration with members of the REAL/PANLAR project. It continues to expand its network of collaboration with research centers and medical associations across Latin America.