ACR	American College of Rheumatology
ANA	Antinuclear antibody
ARA	American Rheumatism Association
ARAMIS	Arthritis, Rheumatism and Aging Medical Information System
BMI	Body mass index
Cox	Cyclooxygenase
CRP	C-reactive protein
CT	Connective tissue
DAS	Disease activity score
DMARD	Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug
EBV	Epstein-Barr virus
ESR	Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
EULAR	European League against Rheumatism
FBC	Full blood count
GI	Gastrointestinal
GP	General Practitioner
HAQ	Health assessment questionnaire
HLA	Human leukocyte antigen
HRT	Hormone replacement therapy
IBD	Inflammatory bowel disorder
IM	Intramuscular
LFT	Liver function test
MCP	Metacarpophalangeal
MTP	Metatarsophalangeal
NNT	Number needed to treat
NSAID	Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
OT	Occupational therapy
PIP	Proximal interphalangeal
PPI	Proton pump inhibitor
RA	Rheumatoid arthritis
RCT	Randomised controlled trial
RF	Rheumatoid factor
SC	Subcutaneous
SIGN	Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
SLE	Systemic lupus erythematosus
SSRI	Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
TENS	Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TNF	Tumour necrosis factor
U&E	Urea & electrolytes