title: Algorithm for identification of undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis: a multinational collaboration through the 3e initiative.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop an algorithm for identification of undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA).
  
  
  METHODS
  An algorithm for identification of UPIA was developed by consensus during a roundtable meeting with an expert panel. It was informed by systematic reviews of the literature used to generate 10 recommendations for the investigation and followup of UPIA through the 3e initiative. The final recommendations from the 3e UPIA Initiative were made available to the panel to guide development of the algorithm. The algorithm drew on the clinical experience of the consensus panel and evidence from the literature where available.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In patients presenting with joint swelling a thorough evaluation is required prior to diagnosing UPIA. After excluding trauma, the differential diagnosis should be formulated based on history and physical examination. A minimum set of investigations is suggested for all patients, with additional ones dependent on the most probable differential diagnoses. The diagnosis of UPIA can be made if, following these evaluations, a more specific diagnosis is not reached. Once a diagnosis of UPIA is established, patients should be closely followed as they may progress to a specific diagnosis, remit, or persist as UPIA, and additional investigations may be required over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our algorithm presents a diagnostic approach to identifying UPIA in patients presenting with joint swelling, incorporating the dynamic nature of the condition with the potential to evolve over time.
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. glen.hazlewood@utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Glen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hazlewood
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Aletaha
authors.forename: Loreto
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carmona
authors.forename: Robert B M
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Landewé
authors.forename: Désirée M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: van der Heijde
authors.forename: Johannes W J
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bijlsma
authors.forename: Vivian P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Bykerk
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Canhão
authors.forename: Anca I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Catrina
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Durez
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Burkhard F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Leeb
authors.forename: Maria D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Mjaavatten
authors.forename: Pindaro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martinez-Osuna
authors.forename: Carlomaurizio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Montecucco
authors.forename: Mikkel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ostergaard
authors.forename: Natali
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Serra-Bonett
authors.forename: Ricardo M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Xavier
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zochling
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.forename: Kristof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thevissen
authors.forename: Ward
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Vercoutere
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bombardier
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D038622:Internationality; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods