Predictive value of tender joints compared to synovitis for structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of tender joints compared to synovitis for structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A post hoc analysis was performed on a prospective 2-year study of 59 patients with active RA starting on antitumour necrosis factor (TNF). Tenderness and synovitis was assessed clinically at baseline, followed by blinded ultrasound assessment (B-mode and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS)) on the hands and feet (2 wrists, 10 metacarpophalangeal, 10 proximal interphalangeal and 10 metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints). Radiographs of these joints were performed at baseline and at 2 years. The risk of radiographic progression with respect to the presence of baseline tenderness or synovitis, as well as its persistence (after 4 months of anti-TN

SUBMITTER: Cheung PP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4800805 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature