title: Influence of prognostic features on the final outcome in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the literature.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: van der Heijde
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: van Riel
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: van Rijswijk
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: van de Putte
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006680:HLA Antigens; D006454:Hemoglobins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor