Influence of prognostic features on the final outcome in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the literature.
The literature on prognostic features on the final outcome in RA is reviewed. It is generally agreed that female sex and a positive RF are variables indicating a poor prognosis. Longstanding increased ESR and CRP values, decreased Hb, or the appearance of subcutaneous nodules are indicators of a less favorable clinical course. No conclusions can be drawn regarding other factors due to the incomplete and heterogeneous study designs.
van der Heijde
D M
DM
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
van Riel
P L
PL
van Rijswijk
M H
MH
van de Putte
L B
LB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000628:therapy*; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000032:analysis
D006680:HLA Antigens; D006454:Hemoglobins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor