How Best to Predict RA Flares During Low Disease Activity?

November 26, 2018
Gregory M. Weiss, MD

Flares of rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to higher disease activity, lower quality of life, and increased radiographic progression.

References:

1. Bechman K, Tweehuysen L, Garrood T, et al. Flares in rheumatoid arthritis patients with low disease activity: predictability and association with worse clinical outcomes. J Rheumatol. 2018;45:1515-1521. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.171375.

Bechman and colleagues1 in the UK and the Netherlands have linked flares of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during periods of low disease activity to higher disease activity, lower quality of life, and increased radiographic progression. Scroll through the slides for the details of their study and the take-home points for clinicians.

Image credit: ©SJ Travel Photo and Video/Shutterstock.com

CRP, C-reactive protein; DAS28, 28-joint count Disease Activity Score; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; LDA, low disease activity; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; REMIRA, REMission in RA.

CRP, C-reactive protein; DAS28, 28-joint count Disease Activity Score; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index; MBDA, multi-biomarker disease activity.

DAS28, 28-joint count Disease Activity Score; LDA, low disease activity; HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index; RA, rheumatoid arthritis.

HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index; RA, rheumatoid arthritis.

Reference

1. Bechman K, Tweehuysen L, Garrood T, et al. Flares in rheumatoid arthritis patients with low disease activity: predictability and association with worse clinical outcomes. J Rheumatol. 2018;45:1515-1521. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.171375.

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