Study on the Correlation between 7-joint Ultrasound Score and Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the 7-joint ultrasound score (US7) and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Forty-four patients with active RA were assessed, and the correlation between US7 and disease activity indicators such as the disease activity score (DAS28), rheumatoid factor (RF), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was analyzed. In addition, the proportions of US7 points accounted for by different joint regions and joint surfaces were analyzed.

RESULTS

RF, CRP, and ESR were significantly increased in the RA group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the RA group, DAS28 (r = 0.0.561, P < 0.01), RF (r = 0.635, P < 0.01), ESR (r = 0.585, P < 0.01), and CRP (r = 0.492, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with US7. In terms of contributions to US7, the most susceptible joint surface is the dorsal surface, and the most susceptible joint area is the dorsal wrist.

CONCLUSION

US7 is positively correlated with disease activity indicators of RA, which can objectively reflect disease activity in RA patients and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and efficacy evaluation.