Evaluation of the Thompson articular index.
Three articular indices for measuring disease activity are compared. In a cross sectional study the Thompson articular index (a modified Lansbury index) correlated better with laboratory variables than the Ritchie articular index or a swollen joint score (Thompson 0.74-0.77; Ritchie 0.57-0.58; swollen joint count 0.51-0.59). In a longitudinal study it was shown that the Thompson articular index is sensitive to detect changes of disease activity. We suggest that this index is appropriate for clinical trials.
van den Brink
H R
HR
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van der Heide
A
A
Jacobs
J W
JW
van der Veen
M J
MJ
Bijlsma
J W
JW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D002097:C-Reactive Protein