Sub-Typing of Rheumatic Diseases Using a Questionnaire
Author Information
Author(s): Herman A. van Wietmarschen, Theo H. Reijmers, Anita J. van der Kooij, Jan Schroën, Heng Wei, Thomas Hankemeier, Jacqueline J. Meulman, Jan van der Greef
Primary Institution: Leiden University
Hypothesis
Can a systems diagnosis questionnaire effectively identify symptom patterns in patients with rheumatic diseases?
Conclusion
The systems diagnosis questionnaire can successfully identify relevant symptom groups for sub-typing patients with rheumatic diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- The questionnaire included symptoms from both Chinese and Western medicine.
- Categorical principal component analysis revealed significant dimensions related to disease stages.
- Cold and Heat symptom patterns were identified as relevant for treatment optimization.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special questionnaire to better understand the symptoms of patients with joint pain, helping them find the right treatment.
Methodology
49 patients completed a systems diagnosis questionnaire with 106 questions, and categorical principal component analysis was used to analyze the data.
Limitations
The study is limited by the reliance on patient-reported symptoms and may benefit from expert observations.
Participant Demographics
Patients with various rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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