title: The relation of hand functions with radiological damage and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate specifically the correlation of hand functions determined by Duruoz hand index (DHI) with radiological findings and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Forty-eight RA patients were evaluated with DHI questionnaire, disease activity score (DAS) 28 and modified Larsen scoring method. Correlation between DAS-28 and DHI was assessed in all the patients. Mean DHI scores were compared between patients in remission (DAS-28 < 2.6) and patients who have more or less disease activity (DAS-28 >or= 2.6). To exclude the probable conflicting effect of disease activity on hand functions, the correlation between radiological scores and DHI was investigated only in patients with remission. There was a positive correlation between DAS-28 and DHI in all patients group (r = 0.434, P < 0.002). No correlation between the radiological scores of any joint groups and DHI could be found in patients with remission. Hand functions seemed to be affected prominently from disease activity. Radiological scores demonstrating joint damage were not in relation with hand functions.
authors.affiliation: Medical Faculty, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. mbirtane@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Birtane
authors.forename: Derya Demirbag
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Kabayel
authors.forename: Kaan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Uzunca
authors.forename: Ercument
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Unlu
authors.forename: Nurettin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tastekin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index