The ability of synovitis to predict structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study between clinical examination and ultrasound.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate synovitis (clinical vs ultrasound (US)) to predict structural progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Patients with RA.

Study design

Prospective, 2-year follow-up.

Data collected

Synovitis (32 joints (2 wrists, 10 metacarpophalangeal, 10 proximal interphalangeal, 10 metatarsophalangeal)) at baseline and after 4 months of therapy by clinical, US grey scale (GS-US) and power doppler (PD-US); x-rays at baseline and at year 2.

Analysis

Measures of association (OR) were tested between structural deterioration and the presence of baseline synovitis, or its persistence, after 4 months of therapy using generalised estimating equation analysis.

Results

Structural deterioration was observed in 9% of the 1888 evaluated joints

SUBMITTER: Dougados M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3618684 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature