Predictors of inflammatory arthritis among new rheumatology referrals: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory arthritis (IA) is essential to optimize disease control. We aimed to identify variables that distinguish IA from non-inflammatory arthropathy by performing a cross-sectional study of rheumatology referral letters and visit records. Further work describes time to assessment and documentation of variables within referral letters.

Methods

We reviewed rheumatology referral letters and new patient visits over a 6-month period. The diagnosis of IA was based on the clinical judgement of the assessing rheumatologist. IA diagnoses included RA, SpAs, unspecified IA, PMR, crystalline arthropathies and remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting oedema. Univariate analysis was performed for each variable. Multivariab

SUBMITTER: Thoms BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10460484 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature