Assessing the activity of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

Disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis is not easily measured. The validity of current measures has been reviewed. Recent international efforts have resulted in consensus over a minimum (WHO/ILAR) core set of endpoints in RA trials: pain, patient and physician (assessor) global assessment, physical disability, swollen joint count, tender joint count, acute phase reactants; and for studies of one or more years' duration: radiographs of joints. The near future will hopefully see validation of new measures, also in terrains not currently covered by the core set.

• Authors: M Boers, P L van Riel, D T Felson, P Tugwell
• Journal: Bailliere's clinical rheumatology (Baillieres Clin Rheumatol) Vol. 9 Issue 2 Pg. 305-17 (May 1995) ISSN: 0950-3579 [Print] England
• PMID: 7656342 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (physiopathology)
• Health Status
• Humans
• Joints (physiopathology)
• Pain Measurement
• Rheumatology (methods)