Which of the following is a traditional DMARD used in RA but not typically first-line today?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a traditional DMARD used in RA but not typically first-line today?

Gold salts are a classic traditional DMARD that were used to slow joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. However, they carry significant toxicity risks (including nephrotoxicity, marrow suppression, mucocutaneous and hypersensitivity reactions) and require injections with careful long-term monitoring, which has led clinicians to move away from them as first-line therapy. Modern practice prioritizes methotrexate as the initial DMARD due to its strong efficacy and more favorable overall safety profile, with leflunomide and sulfasalazine used as alternatives or in combination. So, among the options, gold stands out as the traditional DMARD once common but not typically used as first-line today.

Gold salts are a classic traditional DMARD that were used to slow joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. However, they carry significant toxicity risks (including nephrotoxicity, marrow suppression, mucocutaneous and hypersensitivity reactions) and require injections with careful long-term monitoring, which has led clinicians to move away from them as first-line therapy. Modern practice prioritizes methotrexate as the initial DMARD due to its strong efficacy and more favorable overall safety profile, with leflunomide and sulfasalazine used as alternatives or in combination. So, among the options, gold stands out as the traditional DMARD once common but not typically used as first-line today.

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