Clinical measurement of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: why, how and utility of patient self-assessment

Abstract

Regular monitoring of disease activity and adjustment of treatment to achieve tight control of disease activity is important in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as abrogation of inflammation and synovitis will achieve disease remission and best clinical outcomes. Self-assessment of disease activity by patients is an interesting concept currently under evaluation, potentially used in clinical practice to assist in achieving treat-to-target outcomes. In addition, it has the potential to improve patient engagement in their own control of their disease and at the same time improve adherence and awareness of their RA. In this review, the importance of disease monitoring in RA is discussed and several potentially useful self-assessment methods by patients (e.g., self-assessed joint counts and self-reported questionnaires) are presented with a discussion of its potential use in clinical practice.