ACR20 Research Articles

Prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer based on radiomics analysis and intraoperative frozen section analysis: A retrospective study.

To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency among the clinical model, the radiomics model and the nomogram that combined radiomics features, frozen section (FS) analysis and clinical characteristics for the prediction of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). A total of 208 patients were randomly divided into two groups randomly with a proportion of 7:3 for the training groups (n = 146) and the validation groups (n = 62). The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used for the selection of radiomics features extracted from ultrasound (US) images. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to select predictors associated with the status of LN. The clinical model, radiomics model and nomogram were subsequently established by logistic regression machine learning. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the different models. The Delong test was used to compare the AUC of the three models. Multivariate analysis indicated that age, size group, Adler grade, ACR score and the psammoma body group were independent predictors of lymph node metastasis (LNM). The results showed that in both the training and validation groups, the nomogram showed better performance than the clinical model, albeit not statistically significant (p > .05), and significantly outperformed the radiomics model (p < .05). However, the nomogram exhibits a slight improvement in sensitivity that could reduce the incidence of false negatives. We propose that the nomogram holds substantial promise as an effective tool for predicting LNM in patients with PTC.

Nomogram prediction for cervical lymph node metastasis in multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Accurate preoperative prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with mPTMC provides a basis for surgical decision making and the extent of tumor resection. This study aimed to develop and validate an ultrasound radiomics nomogram for the preoperative assessment of LN status. A total of 450 patients pathologically diagnosed with mPTMC were enrolled, including 348 patients in the modeling group and 102 patients in the validation group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on the basic information, ultrasound characteristics, and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) scores of the patients in the modeling group to identify independent risk factors for LNM in mPTMC and to construct a logistic regression equation and nomogram to predict the risk of LNM. The validation group data were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the nomogram. Male sex, age <40 years, a single lesion with a maximum diameter >0.5cm, capsular invasion, a maximum ACR score >9 points, and a total ACR score >19 points were independent risk factors for the development of cervical LNM in mPTMC. Both the area under the curve (AUC) and concordance index (C-index) of the prediction model constructed from the above six factors were 0.838. The calibration curve of the nomogram was close to the ideal diagonal line. Furthermore, decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated a significantly greater net benefit of the model. The external validation demonstrated the reliability of the prediction nomogram. The presented radiomics nomogram, which is based on ACR TI-RADS scores, shows favorable predictive value for the preoperative assessment of LNs in patients with mPTMC. These findings may provide a basis for surgical decision making and the extent of tumor resection.

The disability associated with hand osteoarthritis is substantial in a cohort of post-menopausal women: the QUALYOR study

Our primary aims were to assess current prevalence of HOA and the disability associated with this condition, in the group usually most affected, i.e., women older than 55. We performed hand radiographs, clinical examination, grip strength measurement, AUSCAN and COCHIN questionnaires in a cohort of postmenopausal women aged at least 55. Radiographic hand OA (RHOA) was defined as at least 2 affected joints among 30, grading 2 or more using the Kellgren Lawrence score but without any HOA symptom. Symptomatic HOA (OA ACR) was defined according to ACR criteria for hand OA. Moderate to severe symptomatic HOA was defined as having OA ACR and AUSCAN total score of >43/100. We enrolled 1,189 participants. The mean age was 71.7 years. Inter-reader reliability of radiographs reading was good (ICC=0.86) and intra-reader reliability was excellent (ICC=0.97). Among the 1,189 women, 333 (28.0%) had RHOA, 482 (40.5%) patients fulfilled the ACR criteria for symptomatic HOA and 82 of these (17% of OA ACR population) had moderate to severe symptomatic HOA. The prevalence of symptomatic erosive osteoarthritis was 11.8%. Mean AUSCAN and Cochin scores were higher and grip strength lower in patients with symptomatic HOA compared to patient without HOA. Differences were more noticeable in patients with moderate to severe HOA. We have assessed disability associated with HOA in greater detail than previously and found that a third of postmenopausal women had RHOA, two fifths had symptomatic HOA and one sixth of symptomatic patients had moderate to severe HOA related disability and a tenth had symptomatic erosive osteoarthritis, representing a substantial burden of disease in our population-based cohort.

Pre-Clinical Autoimmunity in Lupus Relatives: Self-Reported Questionnaires and Immune Dysregulation Distinguish Relatives Who Develop Incomplete or Classified Lupus From Clinically Unaffected Relatives and Unaffected, Unrelated Individuals.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is propelled by pathogenic autoantibody (AutoAb) and immune pathway dysregulation. Identifying populations at risk of reaching classified SLE is essential to curtail inflammatory damage. Lupus blood relatives (Rel) have an increased risk of developing SLE. We tested factors to identify Rel at risk of developing incomplete lupus (ILE) or classified SLE vs. clinically unaffected Rel and healthy controls (HC), drawing from two unique, well characterized lupus cohorts, the lupus autoimmunity in relatives (LAUREL) follow-up cohort, consisting of Rel meeting <4 ACR criteria at baseline, and the Lupus Family Registry and Repository (LFRR), made up of SLE patients, lupus Rel, and HC. Medical record review determined ACR SLE classification criteria; study participants completed the SLE portion of the connective tissue disease questionnaire (SLE-CSQ), type 2 symptom questions, and provided samples for assessment of serum SLE-associated AutoAb specificities and 52 plasma immune mediators. Elevated SLE-CSQ scores were associated with type 2 symptoms, ACR scores, and serology in both cohorts. Fatigue at BL was associated with transition to classified SLE in the LAUREL cohort (p≤0.01). Increased levels of BLyS and decreased levels of IL-10 were associated with type 2 symptoms (p<0.05). SLE-CSQ scores, ACR scores, and accumulated AutoAb specificities correlated with levels of multiple inflammatory immune mediators (p<0.05), including BLyS, IL-2Rα, stem cell factor (SCF), soluble TNF receptors, and Th-1 type mediators and chemokines. Transition to SLE was associated with increased levels of SCF (p<0.05). ILE Rel also had increased levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ, offset by increased levels of regulatory IL-10 and TGF-β (p<0.05). Clinically unaffected Rel (vs. HC) had higher SLE-CSQ scores (p<0.001), increased serology (p<0.05), and increased inflammatory mediator levels, offset by increased IL-10 and TGF-β (p<0.01). These findings suggest that Rel at highest risk of transitioning to classified SLE have increased inflammation coupled with decreased regulatory mediators. In contrast, clinically unaffected Rel and Rel with ILE demonstrate increased inflammation offset with increased immune regulation, intimating a window of opportunity for early intervention and enrollment in prevention trials.

P042 Profile of systemic lupus erythematous patients at presentation 10 years of Single center experience-Tripoli-Libya

Abstract Background Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematous (JSLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder with speckled manifestations that can emerge overstretched period of time and can affect any organ system, most frequently the skin, joints, kidneys, and the nervous, hematologic, and cardiovascular systems. The Aim is to examine the clinical features, serologic and laboratory characteristics associated with SLE. To probe and outline Clinical and Immunologic features of Incomplete Lupus Erythematous (ILE) patients who progressed from ILE to SLE. Methods The files of patients diagnosed as SLE in pediatric rheumatology clinic from 2001 to 5/2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Result Thirty SLE cases were included; Females were more prevalent with a female: male ratio of 14:1. Mean age at presentation 11 ± 4 years (range of 5 months-13 years), Disease onset was before sixth birthday in (7%), above twelve years in (40%) of the patients, and 53% of the patients was among 6 –12 years age group (31% &amp; 37% of them fulfilled the SLICC &amp; ACR criteria respectively at diagnosis) .The Mean duration between the onset of symptoms and SLE diagnosis was 6 months ±2 years. The Pre-pubertal age group presented early. At diagnosis, 50% of the patient got SLICC score criteria &amp;lt;4, on other hand 70% of the patients had ACR score criteria less than four Variable The most common presenting feature was arthritis (83%) (polyarticular arthritis) followed by dermatological manifestations (46%) photosensitivity, malar rash, and discoid rash in order of most frequent, fatigability (37%), renal manifestation (23%) most commonly as hematuria, one case diagnosed as lupus nephritis by renal biopsy. ANA was positive in 87%, anti-ds-DNA positive in 40% and Anti sm positive in 17%. The most frequently used medications were steroids and hydroxychlorqiune, the most commonly used steroid sparing medications were azathioprine (43%), Mycophenolate mofetil (40%) and ciclosporin (13%), 26% were on antihypertensive, 3% required rituximab to control their disease and one patient received Eltromboag to treat refractory thrombocytopenia. the mean follow-up duration 46.9 ± 43.6m, 20% lost follow up, 13% died due to disease complications (renal system involvement, thrombocytopenia and neurological system involvements). Conclusion jSLE in Libya is very rare before the sixth birthday and presented early among 6–12 years age group with a delay of less than one year between the first presentation and time of diagnosis. SLICC criteria was sufficient to diagnose the disease in &amp;gt; 50% of patients. High index of suspension should be maintained because in some patient’s years may be passed before fulfilling the diagnostic criteria. The most common cause of death is renal involvement. Glucocorticoids are the backbone of jSLE treatment in the acute phase. Both azathioprine and Mycophenolate mofetil are sufficient to control the disease in most patients. The disease outcome is accepted in our cohort as most patients have mild disease activity with low dose steroid and a steroid-sparing agent.

A Case Report on a Fibromyalgia Patient with Gastrointestinal Symptoms Treated with Odu-tang

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Korean medical treatment on a fibromyalgia patient with gastrointestinal symptoms, using herbal medicines selected according to new rather than existing standards.Method: A 52-year-old female patient with fibromyalgia was treated with &lt;i&gt;Odu-tang&lt;/i&gt; and acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion for 22 days. To evaluate the treatment, we used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), American College of Rheumatology’s Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria (ACR), and Korean Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (KGSRS).Result: Following treatment, pantalgia diminished, NRS, and ACR scores improved, and the GSRS score decreased from 29 to 11.Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean medical treatment could effectively reduce pain and improve digestive symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. It also presents a new method that considers individual characteristics when choosing herbal medicine.

Clinical efficacy and safety of adalimumab for the treatment of 14 cases of severe psoriasis

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of adalimumab for the treatment of severe psoriasis. Methods Between December 2015 and August 2017, 14 patients with severe psoriasis who showed no response to traditional therapy were enrolled into this study. All the patients received subcutaneous injection of adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg, which decreased to a dose of 40 mg once every 2 weeks after 1-week treatment. At week 4, 8 and 12, the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and physician′s global assessment (PGA) scores were recorded, and clinical efficacy and adverse drug reactions were observed. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, the improvement of arthritis was evaluated according to the American College of Rheumatology 20% response criteria (ACR20) . Results All the 14 patients received the drug treatment for at least 12 weeks. At week 4, 8 patients achieved 50% reduction in PASI (PASI 50) . At week 8, 8 patients achieved PASI 75, and 2 of the 8 patients achieved PASI 90. At week 12, 14 patients achieved PASI 75, 7 of them achieved PASI 90, and 3 of them achieved PASI 100. Before the treatment, the average PGA score of the 14 patients were 4.92 ± 0.02, and decreased to 1.21 ± 0.02 at week 12. The arthritis symptom was markedly improved in the 3 patients with psoriatic arthritis. At week 8, 2 patients achieved ACR20, and 3 achieved ACR20 at week 12. There were no serious adverse drug reactions such as serious infections and malignant tumors in any of the patients. Urticaria occurred in 3 patients, and was relieved after antihistamine treatment. Conclusion Subcutaneous injection of adalimumab every other week is markedly effective and safe for the treatment of severe psoriasis with few adverse drug reactions, and it provides a new treatment choice for patients with severe psoriasis who show no response to traditional therapy. Key words: Psoriasis; Arthritis, psoriatic; Biological agents; Adalimumab

Joint longitudinal model development: application to exposure–response modeling of ACR and DAS scores in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with sirukumab

Exposure-response modeling is important to optimize dose and dosing regimen in clinical drug development. The joint modeling of multiple endpoints is made possible in part by recent progress in latent variable indirect response (IDR) modeling for ordered categorical endpoints. This manuscript presents the results of joint modeling of continuous and ordered categorical endpoints in the latent variable IDR modeling framework through the sharing of model parameters, with an application to the exposure-response modeling of sirukumab. Sirukumab is a human anti- interleukin-6 (IL-6) monoclonal antibody that binds soluble human IL-6 thus blocking IL-6 signaling, which plays a major role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A phase 2 clinical trial was conducted in patients with active RA despite methotrexate therapy, who received subcutaneous (SC) administration of either placebo or sirukumab of 25, 50 or 100mg every 4weeks (q4w) or 100mg every 2weeks (q2w). Major efficacy endpoints were the 20, 50, and 70% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70) disease severity criteria, and the 28-joint disease activity score using C-reactive protein (DAS28). The ACR endpoints were treated as ordered categorical and DAS28 as continuous. The results showed that, compared with the common approach of separately modeling the endpoints, the joint model could describe the observed data better with fewer parameters through the sharing of random effects, and thus more precisely characterize the dose-response relationship. The implications on future dose and dosing regimen optimization are discussed in contrast with those from landmark analysis.

Negative temporal artery biopsy: predictive factors for giant cell arteritis diagnosis and alternate diagnoses of patients without arteritis.

To investigate whether among patients with a negative temporal artery biopsy (TAB) there are clinical features that may differentiate between patients with an eventual diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and those without arteritis, and to assess the eventual diagnoses of patients without arteritis. Retrospective analysis of patients with a negative TAB performed between 1/1/2000 and 31/12/2015. Information collected included baseline clinical and laboratory data. Patients' final diagnoses were obtained from medical records. Patients eventually diagnosed with GCA were compared with those without arteritis, and predictive features for GCA diagnosis were assessed. A total of 154 patients with a negative TAB were included in the study. Among them, 31 (20%) were eventually diagnosed with GCA. The leading alternative diagnoses of patients without arteritis were self-limited disease (23%), isolated polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) (18%), and neurological conditions (17%). In the multivariate analysis, predictors for diagnosis of GCA among patients with a negative TAB included PMR (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.06-7.69), platelet count (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.53), and ACR score > 2 (OR = 13.4, 95% CI 4.27-42.03). Among patients with a negative TAB, the best predictors for diagnosis of GCA are fulfillment of the ACR criteria, a clinical diagnosis of PMR, and high platelet levels. These features may aid in the diagnostic work-up of patients with a negative TAB.

Comparative assessment of clinical response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis between PF-05280586, a proposed rituximab biosimilar, and rituximab.

AimsTo evaluate potential differences between PF‐05280586 and rituximab sourced from the European Union (rituximab‐EU) and USA (rituximab‐US) in clinical response (Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints [DAS28] and American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria), as part of the overall biosimilarity assessment of PF‐05280586.MethodsA randomised, double‐blind, pharmacokinetic similarity trial was conducted in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy on a background of methotrexate. Patients were treated with 1000 mg of PF‐05280586, rituximab‐EU or rituximab‐US on days 1 and 15 and followed over 24 weeks for pharmacokinetic, clinical response and safety assessments. Key secondary end points were the areas under effect curves for DAS28 and ACR responses. Mean differences in areas under effect curves were compared against respective reference ranges established by observed rituximab‐EU and rituximab‐US responses using longitudinal nonlinear mixed effects models.ResultsThe analysis included 214 patients. Demographics were similar across groups with exceptions in some baseline disease characteristics. Baseline imbalances and group‐to‐group variation were accounted for by covariate effects in each model. Predictions from the DAS28 and ACR models tracked the central tendency and distribution of observations well. No point estimates of mean differences were outside the reference range for DAS28 or ACR scores. The probabilities that the predicted differences between PF‐05280586 vs. rituximab‐EU or rituximab‐US lie outside the reference ranges were low.ConclusionsNo clinically meaningful differences were detected in DAS28 or ACR response between PF‐05280586 and rituximab‐EU or rituximab‐US as the differences were within the pre‐specified reference ranges. TRIAL REGISTRATION Number: NCT01526057.

Impacts of personalized nursing intervention on medical compliance of patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To explore the impacts of the personalized nursing interventions on medical compliance of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods A total of 60 patients with RA were randomly classified into experimental group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases). The patients of control group received routine medicine treatment and specialist nursing care. In the experimental group, personal profiles were established and all patients of the experimental group applied personalized nursing interventions based on control group. The rehabilitation status and medical compliance were observed before and after interventions in two groups, and treatment efficacy was evaluated by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and compared and analyzed between two groups. Results After 12 weeks nursing interventions, the improvement of ACR20 in the experimental group was better than that of the control group (χ2=4.344, P<0.05); early morning stiffness, joint swelling and tenderness of the experimental group ameliorated compared with the control group (t=-4.524, -8.283, -5.842; P<0.01); the difference of medical compliance was statistical significant between two groups (χ2=10.76, P<0.05). Conclusions For patients with RA, personalized nursing interventions can effectively improve their medical compliance and clinical efficacy. Key words: Arthritis, rheumatoid; Personalized nursing intervention; Medical compliance

Quantitative volumetric breast density estimation using phase contrast mammography

Phase contrast mammography using a grating interferometer is an emerging technology for breast imaging. It provides complementary information to the conventional absorption-based methods. Additional diagnostic values could be further obtained by retrieving quantitative information from the three physical signals (absorption, differential phase and small-angle scattering) yielded simultaneously. We report a non-parametric quantitative volumetric breast density estimation method by exploiting the ratio (dubbed the R value) of the absorption signal to the small-angle scattering signal. The R value is used to determine breast composition and the volumetric breast density (VBD) of the whole breast is obtained analytically by deducing the relationship between the R value and the pixel-wise breast density. The proposed method is tested by a phantom study and a group of 27 mastectomy samples. In the clinical evaluation, the estimated VBD values from both cranio–caudal (CC) and anterior–posterior (AP) views are compared with the ACR scores given by radiologists to the pre-surgical mammograms. The results show that the estimated VBD results using the proposed method are consistent with the pre-surgical ACR scores, indicating the effectiveness of this method in breast density estimation. A positive correlation is found between the estimated VBD and the diagnostic ACR score for both the CC view () and AP view (). A linear regression between the results of the CC view and AP view showed a correlation coefficient γ = 0.77, which indicates the robustness of the proposed method and the quantitative character of the additional information obtained with our approach.

Soluble mediators and clinical features predict transition to systemic lupus erythematosus classification in previously unaffected relatives of SLE patients (HUM3P.243)

Abstract Healthy relatives of lupus patients have an increased risk of developing SLE, but predictors and mechanisms of disease transition are unknown. Unaffected relatives of SLE patients (n=409) were enrolled in this follow-up study to identify factors associated with transition to SLE. Participants provided detailed demographic and clinical information, including the Connective Tissue Disease Screening Questionnaire (CSQ). Medical records were reviewed for ACR classification criteria. Plasma samples were tested for the presence of autoantibodies and soluble mediators. Forty-five relatives (11%) transitioned to classified SLE during follow-up (mean time = 6.4 years) who had more autoantibodies (p&amp;lt;0.0001) and higher pre-classification (baseline) CSQ scores (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Relatives who transitioned also had elevated baseline levels of inflammatory mediators, including BLyS, SCF, and IFN-associated chemokines (p&amp;lt;0.05), with concurrent decreased regulatory mediators, including TGF-β and IL-10 (p&amp;lt;0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline ACR and CSQ scores (but not autoantibodies), and baseline plasma levels of SCF and TGF-β were significant and independent predictors of SLE transition. Thus, perturbations in immune-mediated processes precede SLE clinical classification and can help identify unaffected relatives at highest risk of future SLE classification for early intervention studies.

Outcome of breast cancer screening: a Lebanese single institution experience.

Since 2002, from October till December of each year, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health conducts a mammogram based breast cancer screening campaign in the whole country for women over 40 years of age. These mammograms are performed free of charge in governmental hospitals or for reduced fees in private hospitals. The aim of this study is to analyze the direct impact of this campaign on cancer detection and subsequent treatment. Radiologic records of women screened with a mammogram during the campaign period from October till December 2012 at Saint Joseph Hospital, Baouchrieh, Beirut, were reviewed. RESULTS of mammograms were reported using the ACR score. Women with ACR score ≥4 were tracked and investigated. 900 screening mammograms were performed; median age was 55.2 years (range:31-81 years). Some 826 (91.8%) had an ACR score of ≤2; 66 (7.3%) an ACR =3 and only 8 (0.89%) an ACR=4. Thus, less than 1% (8/900) of all screened women were considered at high risk and needed a close follow-up. Among these 8 women, 4 underwent surgery for an early breast cancer, one had synchronous metastatic breast cancer and two were lost to follow-up. To coclude, Among 900-screened women for BC, less than 1 % (8 out of 900) were at high risk of hiding a BC (ACR=4), half of them benefited from early therapy (4 women out of 900) and one was a false positive. Larger studies on national level should be accomplished to have a complete data on breast cancer screening in Lebanon. The results of these studies can affect the Lebanese health policy regarding BC.

Temporal artery biopsy size does not matter

This study aimed to clarify whether positive temporal artery biopsies had a greater sample length than negative biopsies in temporal arteritis. It has been suggested that biopsy length should be at least 1 cm to improve diagnostic accuracy. A retrospective review of 149 patients who had 151 temporal artery biopsies was conducted. Twenty biopsies were positive (13.3%), 124 negative (82.1%) and seven samples were insufficient (4.6%). There was no clinically significant difference in the mean biopsy size between positive (0.7 cm) and negative samples (0.65 cm) (t-test: p = .43 NS). Ninety-four patients fulfilled all three ACR criteria prior to biopsy (62.3%) and four patients (2.6%) changed ACR score from 2 to 3 after biopsy. Treatment should not be delayed in anticipation of the biopsy or withheld in the case of a negative biopsy if the patient's symptoms improve.

AB0569 Effects of tocilizumab in combination with non biologic DMARDS on early improvement of anemia and fatigue in adult patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundA significant number of RA patients (pts) have low haemoglobin (Hb) levels. Normalisation of Hb in anaemic RA pts may be a suitable marker of improvement in disease activity, as...

Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in european children with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Results 18 patients aged 4-15 years were included. The median disease duration at treatment onset was 4.7 years (0.48.8). The median dose of prednisone at TCZ onset was 0.63mg/kg/d. Four patients were also on MTX. Fourteen patients had previously failed to respond one or several biologics, including anti-TNF alpha in 10 cases, anakinra in 14 and canakinumab, in 4. All patients but 4 had active systemic and polyarticular features at TCZ onset. The doses of TCZ ranged between 6 and 12 mg/kg every other week at treatment onset. The mean followup on TCZ was 18.2 months (range0.5-48). 90% improvement of the pediatric ACR score was achieved by 9 patients after 3 months. The dose of steroids was tapered in most cases (11/14) within 3 months, and five patients could discontinue steroid treatment after 12 months. TCZ treatment was withdrawn in 5 children for adverse events: anaphylactic reaction in 3 cases, skin vasculitis in 2 other cases.

Relationship between self-rated functional status and psychosocial stress in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

To assess relationship between psychosocial factors and self-rated functioning in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 66 RA patients (mean age +/- SD = 50.8 +/- 12.6 years, women 49 (74%), illness duration mean +/- SD = 13.4 +/- 10.5 years) aspects of developmental psychosocial stress thought to influence human behavior were assessed in an in depth interview using structured biographical history. Furthermore evaluation included Trait anxiety, global functional status according to the ACR criteria, radiological staging of illness and patients' self-ratings of functioning obtained by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Bivariate correlations were performed using psychosocial and somatic factors and self-rated functional status. Scores of developmental psychosocial stress significantly correlated with interviewers scoring of nurture (r = -0.722, p < 0.001) indicating good internal consistency of interview data. Significant correlations were found between patients' scoring of functional status (HAQ) and (i) ACR criteria (r = 0.490, p < 0.0001) and (ii) score of Trait anxiety (r = 0.367, p < 0.003). There was no significant correlation between developmental psychosocial stress and HAQ score. Developmental psychosocial stress does not significantly contribute as to how RA patients perceive their functional ability. In a proportion of RA patients self-rated functional status may depend on the patients disposition (e.g. neuroticism) probably promoting impaired illness behavior (e.g. regressive tendencies) which should be considered in assessing treatment procedures.