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EDITORIAL
www.nature.com/clinicalpractice/rheum
Epidemiology and rheumatology: how can epidemiologists affect treatment strategies?
Deborah PM Symmons
however,epi demi ologists have a tremendous amount to offer in the designof treatment strategies
It is a widely held view that an epidemiologists main task is to study the incidence and prevalence of disease. Often invited to speak in the first sessions at symposia, epidemiologists set the scene by describing how many people have the disease in question, and their distribution by place and time. When it comes to the sessions on treatment, these experts seldom take to the podium; however, epidemiolo gists have a tremendous amount to offer in the design of treatment strategies.
Most basic research scientists and those in charge of clinical trials address single issues. The basic scientist focuses, for example, on the function of a particular cytokine or gene in the etiology or pathogenesis of a disease. Clearly, however, most rheumatic diseases involve complex mechanisms; they...