scholarly journals POS0573 IMPACT OF JOINT DESTRUCTION IN THE HANDS, THE WRISTS AND THE ANKLES ON THE ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT AND THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN REMISSION

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 521.1-521
Author(s):  
R. Fakhfakh ◽  
N. El Amri ◽  
K. Baccouche ◽  
H. Zeglaoui ◽  
E. Bouajina

Background:Joint destruction is a strong predictive factor for residual synovitis among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical remission. Both of them were associated with functional impairment.Objectives:To assess the ultrasound findings and functional outcomes of RA patients in remission according to the site of joint destruction.Methods:A Cross-sectional study including RA patients in remission DAS28 ESR≤ 2.6 for at least 6 months. A B-mode and power doppler (PD) ultrasound of 42 joints was performed. Synovitis was defined and scored using the combined OMERACT-PDUS (gray scale and power doppler (PD)) scoring system graded from 0 to 3. The health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and the radiological Sharp score of the wrists, hands and feet were calculated.Results:Thirty-seven patients were included. The sex ratio was 0.37 and the mean age was 54.2 years ± 12.7. The mean disease duration was 8.1 years±5.1. The mean remission duration was 36.5 months ± 32.7. The mean DAS28vs was 2.1 ± 0.5. Rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies were found in 62% and 75% of patients, respectively. The mean HAQ was 0.35 ± 0.38. Bone erosion was found in 81% of patients. In patients with hands and feet erosions (54%), synovitis was found in 90% of cases associated with PD in 70% of cases. The mean total score of synovitis was 7.8 ± 5.4. The mean HAQ was 0.37 ± 0.44. In patients with only erosions in the hands or wrists (18.9%), synovitis was found in 100% of cases associated with PD in 57% of cases. The mean total score of synovitis was 4.5±4.7. The mean HAQ was 0.48 ± 0.34. In patients with only feet erosions (8.1%), synovitis was found in 100% of cases associated with PD in 66.7% of cases. The mean total score of synovitis was 4.6±3.5. The mean HAQ was 0.31 ± 0.26. RA was not erosive in 18.9% of patients. In these patients, synovitis was found in 100% of cases associated with PD in 28.6% of cases. The mean total score of synovitis was 5.6±4.3. The mean HAQ was 0.21 ± 0.23. There is no significant difference between these groups(p>0.05).Conclusion:In RA in remission, PD synovitis and functional incapacity were less frequent in the absence of erosion. PD synovitis was more frequently found in patients with erosions, especially, in the feet. The HAQ was higher in patients with hands erosions.References:[1]Hamamoto Y, Ito H, Furu M, Hashimoto M, Fujii T, Ishikawa M, et al. Serological and Progression Differences of Joint Destruction in the Wrist and the Feet in Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study. PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0136611.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0002
Author(s):  
Takeshi Kashiwagura ◽  
Koji Nozaka ◽  
Hideji Kura ◽  
Hiroshi Aonuma

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: [Introduction] In recent years, joint ultrasonography has been widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), allowing visualization of synovitis. Its clinical usefulness in early diagnosis and evaluation of disease activity has been reported. Continuous inflammation, osteochondral destruction, and soft tissue destruction due to synovitis in toe joints result in various clinical pictures of the foot. In the lateral toes in the forefoot, subluxation or luxation of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints may occur, leading to painful callosities and resultant disturbance in activities of daily living. Few reports have addressed toe deformity and joint ultrasonographic findings of synovitis in the forefoot. In this study, lateral MTP joints were assessed using joint ultrasonography in RA patients to examine the correlation with deformity. Methods: [Subjects] Seventy feet of 61 RA patients were examined in the outpatient clinic of our hospital. Patients who underwent surgery were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (24 to 92 years), and the mean duration of disease was 12 years and 9 months (1 month to 40 years). Biologic products were used for 23 feet. Joint ultrasonography was performed by the same examiner, using the same room and apparatus. Synovitis was defined as Grade 1 or more as determined by the power Doppler method. Based on foot radiographs in upright position obtained before and after ultrasonography, patients with luxation, subluxation, and joint fissure narrowing were classified into the deformity group, those with bone erosion and geode formation into the bone erosion group, and lack of abnormal findings into the normal group. Results: [Results] Synovitis was found in MTP joints in 41 (14.6%) of 280 toes. The incidence rates of synovitis in the deformity group, the bone erosion group, and the normal group were 27.3%, 13.1%, and 6.7%, respectively. Synovitis was found in 21.7% of patients on therapy with biologic products and in 38.3% of those without such therapy. There were no significant differences in the mean duration of the disease, visual analogue scale score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, matrix metallopeptidase 3 level, or health assessment questionnaire score among the 3 groups. Conclusion: [Discussion] Synovitis was also found in patients who showed no changes on imaging of the toes. Synovitis persisted in some patients even after establishment of toe deformity. Drug therapy, intensification of conservative therapy, and synovectomy should be considered to prevent further deformation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 508.2-509
Author(s):  
K. Maatallah ◽  
H. Boussaa ◽  
H. Riahi ◽  
H. Ferjani ◽  
M. Habechi ◽  
...  

Background:Foot disease is a common problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therapeutic decisions are often based on clinical examination (CE) alone, which can be adversely affected by factors such as deformity, obesity, and peripheral edema. Ultrasonography (US) has previously been shown to be more sensitive than CE for detecting synovitis and tenosynovitis in RA forefeet, but few data exist for the hindfoot and ankle.Objectives:The aim of this study was to compare CE and US for the detection of hindfoot and ankle synovitis and tenosynovitis in patients with established RA.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients with RA (ACR/EULAR 2010). Demographic data and disease parameters were collected. CE was performed by a rheumatologist for the presence or absence of tenderness, swelling, and mobility restriction of both ankles. The following tendons were examined for tenosynovitis: tibialis anterior (TA) and posterior (TP), fibularis longus (FL), and brevis (FB) (assessed together). In a second time, US examination of the tibiotalar, talonavicular, and subtalar joints and the same tendons as CE was performed by a blinded radiologist experienced in musculoskeletal imaging using a Philips HD11 device with a high-frequency linear transducer. The presence or absence of synovitis and tenosynovitis was recorded, and the composite synovitis score (power doppler / grayscale ultrasound (PDUS)) was measured for each joint. The US score of each patient was defined by the sum of the composite scores of the joints studied (0-30). A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results:Sixty-two feet were examined in 31 RA patients (25 women and six men) with a mean age of 54.8±10.8 years old [32-70]. The mean disease duration was 8.5±7.2 years [1-37]. Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-Citrullinated Peptides Antibodies (ACPA) were positive in 61.3% and 83.8% of cases. The mean DAS28 ESR was 3.8±1.5 [0.6-7].Clinical examination of ankles revealed tenderness in 57.4% of cases, swelling in 38.8% of cases, and restriction in the range of motion in 11.1% of cases. TA tenosynovitis was noted in 14.8% of cases, TP tenosynovitis in 22.2% of cases, and FL and FB tenosynovitis in 31.5% of cases.US showed tibiotalar synovitis in 59.3% of cases, talonavicular synovitis in 64.8% of cases, and subtalar synovitis in 46.3% of cases. TA tenosynovitis was noted in 5.6% of cases, TP tenosynovitis in 22.2% of cases, and FB and FL tenosynovitis in 25% and 11.1% of cases respectively.An association was found between clinical tenderness and US synovitis of the tibiotalar joint (p=0.013) and the talonavicular joint (p=0.027). No association was noted between clinical swelling and US synovitis in these joints.No association was noted between clinical and US tenosynovitis of TA (p=0.279), TP (p=0.436), FB (p=0.495) and FL (p=0.315).Conclusion:Clinical examination of RA ankles may be challenging and needs to be coupled with US, which is more sensitive and accurate in the detection of synovitis and tenosynovitis.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1394.2-1394
Author(s):  
R. Fakhfakh ◽  
N. El Amri ◽  
K. Baccouche ◽  
H. Zeglaoui ◽  
E. Bouajina

Background:Ultrasound-detected synovitis, mainly synovial Doppler signal, has shown predictive value in relation to radiographic damage progression and disease flare or relapse in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with clinical remission.Objectives:The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation between power Doppler scores and clinical/laboratory and radiographic data in clinical remission RA patients.Methods:Cross-sectional study including patients with RA in clinical remission defined by: DAS28ESR ≤ 2.6, without disease flare or changes in therapy in the previous 6 months. Each patient underwent ultrasound: B-mode and PD assessments of 36 joints and 20 tendons in the Rheumatology Department over a period of 6 month. Synovitis and tenosynovitis were defined and scored according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT). Radiological measurements included the modified Sharp/van der Heijde method (SHS). Functional capacity was assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).Results:Thirty two patients were enrolled, the mean age was 53.7±13.4 and 75% were female. The mean disease duration was 15 years ± 8.8. Subclinical synovitis were the most frequent in wrist (56.3%), 2ndmetacarpophalangeal joints (28.1%) and 2ndmetatarsophalangeal joints (29%). The mean subclinical synovitis/ tenosynovitis numbers was 4±3.1 per patient. Synovial hypertrophy and B mode tenosynovitis were detected in 93.8%: 71.3% had a grade = 2 and 9.8% had a grade= 3. Total B mode score was correlated only with the SHS score in the feet (r: 0.4, p: 0.03). PD signal was detected in 62.5% of patients: 37.5% had a grade =2 and 9.4% had a grade= 3. Total PD score was correlated with DAS28 (r:0.42, p:0.02), the SHS score in the hands (r:0.39, p:0.03) and in the feet (r:0.5, p:0.007), synovial hypertrophy (r:0.6, p:0.0001) and HAQ (r:0.32, p:0.06). No correlation was found with CDAI, SDAI, swollen joint counts, tender joint counts, patient global health assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, biologic treatment.Conclusion:Synovial hypertrophy and PD signal were frequent in RA remission. PD signal was associated with RA activity, radiologic damage and functional capacity.References:[1]Yan Geng & Jingjing Han & Xuerong Deng and al. Presence of power Doppler synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients with synthetic and/or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug-induced clinical remission: experience from a Chinese cohort. Clinical Rheumatology 2014. DOI 10.1007/s10067-014-2634-yDisclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman A. Baraka ◽  
Mona G. Balata ◽  
Shereen H. Ahmed ◽  
Afaf F. Khamis ◽  
Enas A. Elattar

Abstract Background This study aimed to measure the serum and synovial interleukin (IL)-37 levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (PKOA) and healthy controls and to detect its relation to RA disease activity. Results This cross-sectional study included 50 RA patients with a mean age of 40.24 ± 8.62 years, 50 patients with PKOA with a mean age of 56.69 ± 4.21, and 40 healthy controls with a mean age of 41.75 ± 7.38 years. The mean serum IL-37 level in the RA patients (382.6 ± 73.97 pg/ml) was statistically significantly (P < 0.001) the highest among the studied groups; however, it showed a non-significant difference between the PKOA patients (70.38 ± 27.49 pg/ml) and the healthy controls (69.97 ± 25.12 pg/ml) (P > 0.94). Both serum and synovial IL-37 levels were significantly positively correlated with disease activity scores (r = 0.92, P< 0.001 and r = 0.85, P < 0.001), tender joint counts (r = 0.83, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001 ), swollen joint counts (r = 0.72, P < 0.001 and r = 0.60, P < 0.001), visual analog scale (r = 0.82, P < 0.001 and r = 0.82, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.75, P < 0.001 and r = 0.65, P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (r = 0.93, P < 0.001 and r = 0.79, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Serum and synovial IL-37 were significantly elevated in the RA patients, and they were closely correlated. Being less invasive, the serum IL-37 could be a marker of disease activity and could reflect the effective disease control by drugs. Having an anti-inflammatory effect could not suggest IL-37 as the key player to control inflammation alone, but its combination with other anti-proinflammatory cytokines could be investigated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (7) ◽  
pp. 899-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsutomu Takeuchi ◽  
Yoshiya Tanaka ◽  
Satoshi Soen ◽  
Hisashi Yamanaka ◽  
Toshiyuki Yoneda ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of denosumab in suppressing joint destruction when added to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThis was a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled phase 3 study in Japan. Patients with RA aged ≥20 years receiving csDMARDs were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to denosumab 60 mg every 3 months (Q3M), denosumab 60 mg every 6 months (Q6M) or placebo. The change in the modified total Sharp score (mTSS) and effect on bone mineral density (BMD) at 12 months was evaluated.ResultsIn total, 654 patients received the trial drugs. Denosumab groups showed significantly less progression of joint destruction. The mean changes in the mTSS at 12 months were 1.49 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.99) in the placebo group, 0.99 (95% CI 0.49 to 1.49) in the Q6M group (p=0.0235) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.41 to 1.03) in the Q3M group (p=0.0055). The mean changes in bone erosion score were 0.98 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.31) in the placebo group, 0.51 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.80) in the Q6M group (p=0.0104) and 0.22 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.34) in the Q3M group (p=0.0001). No significant between-group difference was observed in the joint space narrowing score. The per cent change in lumbar spine (L1–L4) BMD in the placebo, Q6M and Q3M groups were −1.03%, 3.99% (p<0.0001) and 4.88% (p<0.0001). No major differences were observed among safety profiles.ConclusionsDenosumab inhibits the progression of joint destruction, increases BMD and is well tolerated in patients with RA taking csDMARD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Mori ◽  
Takuya Izumiyama ◽  
Hiroaki Kurishima ◽  
Masayuki Kamimura ◽  
Kazuyoshi Baba ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to determine the effects of denosumab treatment on the joint destruction of Japanese females with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies. Materials and methods This retrospective longitudinal study included 56 patients treated with denosumab and 50 patients treated with bisphosphonate. All participants were positive for anti-CCP antibodies. All patients also had a history of osteoporosis treatment with bisphosphonate, which was either continued or switched to 60 mg of subcutaneous denosumab injection every 6 months. To assess the progression of joint destruction, hand and foot radiographs were taken, and changes in modified total Sharp score (mTSS), erosion score (ERO), and joint space narrowing score (JSN) were evaluated at 12 months and 24 months. The changes in BMD of the lumbar spine and hip were also assessed at 12 months. Results At 12 months, there were significant differences in the change of ERO (p = 0.015) and mTSS (p = 0.01). Similarly, there were significant differences in the change of ERO (p = 0.013) and mTSS (p = 0.003) at 24 months. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the changes of JSN and clinical parameters. There were significant differences in the changes in BMD in the femoral neck (p = 0.011) and total hip (p = 0.012). Conclusion Denosumab treatment might be effective for the inhibition of bone erosion progression in the patients with RA, and it potentially contributes to the treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of destructive arthritis in patients with switching treatment from bisphosphonate.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille P. Figueiredo ◽  
Mariana O. Perez ◽  
Lucas Peixoto Sales ◽  
Ana Cristina Medeiros ◽  
Valeria F. Caparbo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease depicted by synovial inflammation leading to local and systemic bone loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate by a HR-pQCT (High Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography) study which parameters are associated with volume of bone erosions including bone mineral density (BMD) around erosions (VOI 1 to 4 = volume of interest), BMD of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) head, BMD of radius, presence of osteophytes and joint space width (JSW). Methods Fifty female RA patients (18–50 years) were enrolled in this study. Demographic and disease-specific data, laboratory inflammatory parameters and handgrip test were performed. All patients underwent HR-pQCT of 2nd and 3rd MCP joints and distal radius, according to established protocols. The volume of bone erosions was evaluated by MIAF (Medical Image Analysis Framework) software. Osteophytes were analyzed by manual method. Results The mean of age and disease duration were 40.0 ± 6.0 yrs. and 10.8 ± 4.8 yrs., respectively. According to DAS-28 (Disease Activity Score), 54% (27) of the sample were in remission. However, when SDAI (Simplified Disease Activity Index) was used, only 18% (9) were under remission. The mean of HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire), ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C reactive protein) were 0.9 ± 0.7, 13.9 ± 12.2 mm and 5.6 ± 7.5 mg/mL, respectively. Forty-six bone erosions (0.9 ± 1.2 erosion/patient) and 14 osteophytes (0.3 ± 0.7 osteophyte/patient) were found in 2nd MCP head. The median (IQR-Interquartile range) of volume of erosion and volume of osteophytes were 14.9 (5.7;35.9)mm3 and 3.1 (2.1, 4.3)mm3, respectively. The mean of JSW was 80.5 ± 34.2 mm3. The volume of bone erosions was negatively correlated with BMD of 2nd MCP head, VOI-4 and JSW; and it was positively correlated with osteophytes number. Regarding absence or presence of erosion in 2nd MCP head, a significant difference was found between BMD of MCP head, osteophyte number and JSW. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only BMD of 2nd MCP head was independently associated with volume of bone erosions. Conclusion BMD of MCP head was independently associated with volume of bone erosion, suggesting that this parameter should be used to analyze and monitoring bone destruction, as well as to evaluate treatment response in RA patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Mori ◽  
Takuya Izumiyama ◽  
Hiroaki Kurishima ◽  
Masayuki Kamimura ◽  
Kazuyoshi Baba ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effects of denosumab treatment on the joint destruction of Japanese females with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study included 56 patients treated with denosumab and 50 patients treated with bisphosphonate. All participants were positive for anti-CCP antibodies. All patients also had a history of osteoporosis treatment with bisphosphonate, which was either continued or switched to 60 mg of subcutaneous denosumab injection every 6 months. To assess the progression of joint destruction, hand and foot radiographs were taken, and changes in modified total Sharp score (mTSS), erosion score (ERO) and joint space narrowing score (JSN) were evaluated at 12 months and 24 months. The changes in BMD of the lumbar spine and hip were also assessed at 12 months. Results: At 12 months, there were significant differences in the change of ERO (p = 0.015) and mTSS (p = 0.01). Similarly, there were significant differences in the change of ERO (p = 0.013) and mTSS (p = 0.003) at 24 months. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the changes of JSN and clinical parameters. There were significant differences in the changes in BMD in the femoral neck (p = 0.011) and total hip (p = 0.012).Conclusion: Denosumab treatment might be effective for the inhibition of bone erosion progression in the patients with RA, and it potentially contributes to the treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of destructive arthritis in patients with switching treatment from bisphosphonate.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 520.2-521
Author(s):  
R. Fakhfakh ◽  
N. El Amri ◽  
K. Baccouche ◽  
H. Zeglaoui ◽  
E. Bouajina

Background:Tenosynovitis is a common manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but, is difficult to assess appropriately by clinical examination. In clinical remission, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) showed a predictive value of tenosynovitis for flares and joint destruction in RA (1).Objectives:To assess the prevalence, the characteristics, and the factors associated with tenosynovitis in ultrasound examination of patients with RA in clinical remission.Methods:A Cross-sectional study including patients with RA in clinical remission (DAS28 ESR ≤ 2.6) for at least 6 months. MSUS of 20 tendons (in wrists, hands and ankles) was performed in mode B and power Doppler (PD). Tenosynovitis was defined and scored according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT). A total score for the tenosynovitis in B-mode (TBI) and PD (TDI) was calculated by summing the grades for each patient. SDAI and CDAI were calculated. Functional disability was assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). For the radiographic evaluations, we used the Van der Heijde score.Results:Thirty-seven patients were enrolled, the mean age was 54.2 years±12.7 years and the sex ratio was 0.37. The mean disease duration was 8.1 years±5.1. The mean remission duration was 36.5 months ± 32.7. The prevalence of tenosynovitis was 40.5% in B-mode and 13.5% for PD. The most affected tendons were: extensor carpi ulnaris (B-mode: 21.6%, PD: 8.1%), tibialis posterior (B-mode: 10%, PD: 2.7%), peroneal (B-mode: 8.1%, PD: 2.7%), flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus (B-mode: 5.4%, PD: 0%) and extensor digitorum (B-mode: 2.7%, PD: 2.7%). Tenosynovitis was most frequently grade1 in B-mode (32.4%) and grade 2 in PD (10.8%). Grade 3 was identified only in B-mode in the peroneal tendons. The mean of TBI was 7.1±5.3 and the mean of TDI was 2.2.±3.1. We found a significant association between remission duration and PD tenosynovitis (mean: 16.2 vs 39.7 months, p = 0.05). Tenosynovitis, in B-mode and PD, weren’t associated with the swollen joints, the tender joints, the patient global health assessment, the HAQ, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, DAS28, CDAI, SDAI, biologic treatment and radiographic structural damage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis didn’t show any association.Conclusion:Ultrasound tenosynovitis was commonly found in RA in remission and the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon was most involved. A shorter duration of remission was associated with PD tenosynovitis in univariate analysis. The MSUS assessment of tendons can be an additional feasible method to assess clinical remission.References:[1]Janta I, Stanciu D, Hinojosa M, Nieto-González JC, Valor L, Bello N, et al. Structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison between tendon damage evaluated by ultrasound and radiographic damage. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2016;55(6):1042-6.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (38) ◽  
pp. 3372-3377
Author(s):  
Karthiga Murugan ◽  
Velmurugan Anbu Ananthan ◽  
Ananthan Veeranan

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disorder. Uric acid is a by-product of purine metabolism, associated with diseases such as gouty arthritis, hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The association between serum uric acid concentrations and inflammation in patients with RA has been controversial. Some case reports suggest coexistence of gout and RA. Uric acid crystals can induce robust inflammation causing joint destruction and fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to estimate the serum uric acid levels in subjects with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and to correlate with disease activity. METHODS This cross-sectional study was done on 55 recently diagnosed RA subjects [American college of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria 2010] attending the rheumatology out-patient department (OPD) of a tertiary care institute in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. After clinical examination, evaluation of disease activity score (DAS), serum uric acid and rheumatoid factor (RF) were done. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS trial version 28). Descriptive and inferential analysis was done. Correlation between serum uric acid levels and DAS was the main outcome. RESULTS The mean age was 41.51 ± 11.7 years. 87.3 % were females. Majority (58.2 %) were aged between 31 to 50 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.78 months. The mean serum uric acid level was 4.99 ± 1.2 mg/dl with 95 % C.I. of 4.66 to 5.31. The mean DAS was 5.34 ± 0.96. 56 % had high disease activity while only 44 % had moderate disease activity. 44 % were RF positive. There was no significant difference in serum uric acid levels across groups based on RF positivity and DAS severity respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation serum uric acid levels and DAS (-0.024, P value = 0.861). CONCLUSIONS Mean serum uric acid levels were elevated in recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Serum uric acid levels have no association with DAS and RF positivity in rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of specific treatment of elevated uric acid levels in rheumatoid arthritis independent of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. KEYWORDS Rheumatoid Arthritis, Uric Acid, Rheumatoid Factor, Disease Activity Score (DAS), Correlation, Recently Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis


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