Study on Disease Activity and Joint Damage in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Salaffi Fausto, Carotti Marina, Ciapetti Alessandro, Gasparini Stefania, Filippucci Emilio, Grassi Walter
Primary Institution: Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between persistent disease activity and radiographic progression of joint damage in early rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusion
The level of disease activity significantly affects the progression of radiographic damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- 54.2% of patients showed radiographic progression after 3 years.
- The percentage of patients with erosive disease increased from 33.3% at baseline to 76% at 36 months.
- The total SHS of progressors worsened significantly compared to non-progressors.
Takeaway
This study found that how active the disease is can affect how much damage happens to the joints in people with early rheumatoid arthritis.
Methodology
Forty-eight patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were assessed every 3 months for disease activity over 3 years, and radiographic damage was measured using the Sharp/van der Heijde method.
Limitations
The study had a relatively short observation period and a small percentage of patients received TNF-blocking agents.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 35 women and 13 men with a mean age of 56.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 39.8% to 67.5%
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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