Comparison of functional disability scales and their relevance to radiological progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission

F Sahin, N Kotevoglu, S Taspinar, F Yilmaz, B Kuran
2006 Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology   unpublished
Objectives To look for any correlations between radiological scores and hand functions evaluated with two different methods in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission. Methods Forty-two patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in remission according to ACR criteria were assessed for their hand functions with Duruöz's Hand Index (DHI), and with Sollerman Function Test (SHFT) as well as with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Hand X-rays were evaluated according to Modified
more » ... arp Index; joint space narrowing score (JSNS), erosion score (ES), and total score (TS) were calculated. The X-rays were assessed by the same rheumatologist three times. Results Mean HAQ score, mean DHI score and mean SHFT scores were 0.88±0.68, 17.74±17.81, 72.24±9.23 respectively. Radio-logic scores were as follows: JSN 35.04±28.14, ES 25.19±36.23, TS 60.26±66.21. Intraobserver reliability was high (r=0,98). There was a positive correlation between HAQ and DHI (p<0.001), a negative correlation between SHFT. There was also a negative correlation between DHI and SHFT. The correlations between JSNS, ES and TS with respect to HAQ and SHFT were strong (p<0.0001) along with DHI (p<0.05). Conclusion HAQ was found correlated with DHI and SHFT. Modified Sharp scores were found correlated with the general disability and hand functions. SHFT, with respect to DHI, takes a longer period of time, depends on equipment and needs an observer. On the contrary, DHI offers a more practical and economical way of assessment.
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