Prediction of team care effects in outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Predictive factors for the outcome of 1-year rheuma-team care were studied in 68 female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outpatients (mean age 56 years, mean RA duration 15 years). Seventy-three background variables were analyzed in a 4-step statistical model including partial and multivariate correlations in order to disclose the best predictors of change scores of the outcome measures chosen. These concerned disease activity (C-reactive protein, Lansbury articular index), physical joint function (Keitel index), mood (Mood Adjective Check List, MACL), and overall health (Sickness Impact Profile). Between 14 and 47% of the variance of the 1-year outcome change scores was explained by combinations of 2 or 3 predictors out of 12 strong background variables. The lowest value of explained variance was noted for MACL, and the highest for C-reactive protein. Both clinical, social, and self-assessed health data were among the predictors. Our results can provide a guide in the selection of patients with RA for multidisciplinary team care, in the formulation of treatment goals, and the creation of cost-effectiveness schedules.
Ahlmén
M
M
Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Bjelle
A
A
Sullivan
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001175:Arthrography; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D010348:Patient Care Team
D003176:Complement C3; D002097:C-Reactive Protein