Novel Ultrasound Joint Selection Methods Using a Reduced Joint Number Demonstrate Inflammatory Improvement when Compared to Existing Methods and Disease Activity Score at 28 Joints

J Rheumatol. 2016 Jan;43(1):34-7. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.150590. Epub 2015 Dec 1.

Abstract

Objective: A pilot study testing novel ultrasound (US) joint-selection methods in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: Responsiveness of novel [individualized US (IUS) and individualized composite US (ICUS)] methods were compared with existing US methods and the Disease Activity Score at 28 joints (DAS28) for 12 patients followed for 3 months. IUS selected up to 7 and 12 most ultrasonographically inflamed joints, while ICUS additionally incorporated clinically symptomatic joints.

Results: The existing, IUS, and ICUS methods' standardized response means were -0.39, -1.08, and -1.11, respectively, for 7 joints; -0.49, -1.00, and -1.16, respectively, for 12 joints; and -0.94 for DAS28.

Conclusion: Novel methods effectively demonstrate inflammatory improvement when compared with existing methods and DAS28.

Keywords: RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; SYNOVITIS; ULTRASOUND.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Hospitals, General
  • Humans
  • Joints / diagnostic imaging*
  • Joints / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Selection
  • Pilot Projects
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Singapore
  • Synovitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Synovitis / physiopathology
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / methods*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents