A pilot risk model for the prediction of rapid radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Identifying patients with RA at high risk of rapid radiographic progression (RRP) is critical for making appropriate treatment decisions. We developed an exploratory prediction model for the risk of RRP using an RA study population undergoing either conservative or aggressive disease management.


METHODS
Using data from the active-controlled study of patients receiving infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of early onset (ASPIRE) early RA study, RRP was defined as a threshold change in modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS) of > or =5 U/year. Spearman's rank analysis was used to identify baseline risk factors for RRP. Logistic regression was used to calculate the probability of RRP in 1 year. The results were combined into a matrix model that consisted of risk factors and initiated treatment arranged in increasing risk of RRP. Data from the anti-TNF trial in rheumatoid arthritis with concomitant therapy (ATTRACT) established RA study were applied to the model to test its generalizability in another population.


RESULTS
The 28 swollen joint count, RF, CRP and ESR are included as trichotomous variables and initiated treatment (monotherapy or combination therapy) as a dichotomous variable. Two models, one incorporating all risk factors except CRP and another incorporating all risk factors except ESR, were developed to adjust for collinearity. These models identify subpopulations of RA patients at higher predicted risk for RRP.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary matrix models predict the risk of RRP using initiated treatment and easily accessible clinical and laboratory variables. Further testing in other populations and with other therapies is needed to obtain a definitive risk model that will guide rheumatologists in making treatment decisions for individual RA patients.
Vastesaeger
Nathan
N
Department of Medical Affairs, Centocor BV, Leiden, The Netherlands. nathan.vastesaeger@spcorp.com
Xu
Stephen
S
Aletaha
Daniel
D
St Clair
E William
EW
Smolen
Josef S
JS
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D018450:Disease Progression; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor; D000069285:Infliximab; D008727:Methotrexate