title: HLA-DR4 as a predictor of outcome three years after onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Data from 59 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were analysed to determine the predictive value of the possession of HLA-DR4 for disease severity and functional outcome at 3 years after disease onset. The previously reported association of that antigen with seropositive disease was confirmed. Conversely, however, there was no evidence that functional outcome was worse in the HLA-DR4 positive group as measured by the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. The mean articular index was lower in the HLA-DR4 group which also had a smaller proportion with limited wrist extension. In addition, both patient and physicians' global assessment of disease status were better in the HLA-DR4 group. It is concluded that HLA-DR4 is not a useful predictor of poor outcome at 3 years.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D015804:HLA-DR4 Antigen; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015804:HLA-DR4 Antigen