Body mass index and the rheumatoid arthritis swollen joint count: an observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Obesity is a prevalent condition and a serious health concern. The relationship between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity and severity has not been adequately examined, and there are concerns that periarticular adipose tissue may reduce the utility of the joint examination.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional study to compare the performance of swollen joint count (SJC) in subjects with RA across body mass index (BMI) strata. Specifically, regression techniques tested for associations of SJC and 7 RA disease activity/severity measures (including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level, radiographic changes, and Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire scores) within BMI quartiles. We also evaluated the association of BMI with radiograph

SUBMITTER: Caplan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3430738 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature