Factors predicting outcome of rheumatoid arthritis: results of a followup study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prognostic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
One hundred thirty-two women with definite RA were followed yearly from an early phase of the disease (symptoms < 5 years) for a mean duration of 6 years. The prognostic value of the first available clinical and laboratory variables and assessments of functional ability was related to several outcome measures (physician's opinion of disease severity, disease activity, radiological abnormalities, functional ability and number of prescribed 2nd-line drugs) by single predictor analysis and by logistic regression.


RESULTS
The variables most predictive for one or more of the outcome measures were number of swollen joints, Ritchie score, health assessment questionnaire score, radiographical abnormalities, positive IgM rheumatoid factor (RF), positive IgG-RF, HLA-DR4, and an elevated percentage serum agalactosyl IgG. The accuracy of predicting outcome was calculated from several combinations of these variables, and varied between 70 and 80%. The accuracy based on a combination of the commonly available variables (number of swollen joints, IgM-RF and the erosion score), closely approximated the maximal accuracy that could be achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The outcome of RA can be predicted by a combination of variables that are commonly available in the clinical setting.
van Zeben
D
D
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Hazes
J M
JM
Zwinderman
A H
AH
Vandenbroucke
J P
JP
Breedveld
F C
FC
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011859:Radiography; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D015415:Biomarkers