Influence of a ceiling effect on the assessment of radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis during the first 6 years of disease.

摘要: T. Objective. To evaluate at what disease duration and to extent a ceiling effect, due reaching maximum scores for erosions (E) and/or joint space narrowing (JSN) in separate joints, started influence the assessment of radiographic progression according modified method Sharp, patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Prospective followup study 87 classical or definite RA, symptoms < I year entry. Radiographs hands feet were made entry (Time 0), after 3 (T3). 6 years (T6) followup. Assessment Van der Heijde modification Sharp's method. The E JSN analyzed separately individual groups joints. Percentages joints JSN, assessed T0, T3, T6. relative risks development damage An approximation magnitude effect was calculated. Results. After years, significant on mean found. In some appeared occur earlier. distributed over 50% patients, 20% had more than 10 without preference specific localization. Conclusion. be clinically relevant should taken into account when interpreting effects modifying antirheumatic drugs RA during first disease. Furthermore, it must accounted describing relationship between process variables.