Consensus agreement was achieved for the labels and definitions of 11 elements representing the fundamental components of gout aetiology, pathophysiology and clinical presentation. The Gout, Hyperuricemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network (G-CAN) recommends the use of these labels when describing the basic disease elements of gout. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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ObjectiveThe tender joint count (TJC) is included in composite disease activity scores (CDAS) (the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, the Clinical Disease Activity Index, and the Simplified Disease Activity Index). The impact of having predominantly tender joints was explored by use of the Tender‐Swollen Joint Count Difference (TSJD), and ultrasound (US) provided a measure of joint inflammation. The current study aimed to explore the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between the TSJD and a spectrum of outcome measures, including US scores in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during follow‐up and while receiving treatment with biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).MethodsThis was an observational study of 209 patients with established RA consecutively included upon initiation of bDMARD treatment and followed‐up with clinical, laboratory, and comprehensive US examinations at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with predominantly tender joints (TSJD >0) and those with predominantly swollen joints (TSJD ≤0). Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlation coefficient, an independent samples t‐test, and regression analyses.ResultsThe TJC had high correlations only with patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs) (P < 0.001). Levels from CDAS and PROMs were significantly higher (P < 0.001) at all visits in patients with TSJD >0 compared to those with TSJD <0. Laboratory markers and assessor's global visual analog scale scores were similar, and US sum scores were significantly lower (P < 0.001–0.03). The baseline TSJD positively predicted levels of all CDAS at 6 months (P < 0.001–0.019) but was a negative predictor of US sum scores (gray‐scale and power Doppler) at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.001).ConclusionPatients with predominantly tender joints had higher CDAS but lower levels of inflammation as defined by US. These findings indicate that inclusion of the TJC in the CDAS may contribute to misleading information about inflammatory activity.

(RPE) and percentage of 1RM while performing resisted knee extension, and (2) to examine test-retest reliability of RPE in a general population of adults. Methods: Following determination of 1RM, participants performed 1-3 repetitions of knee extension at ten equal increments of the determined 1RM (10%-100% of 1RM) in random order. Participants stated perceived exertion rating for each level of resistance. This protocol was repeated 5-10 days later to determine test-retest reliability. Spearman rho correlations were calculated to assess correlation between 1RM and RPE, as well as test-retest reliability. Sensitivity, specificity, Youden's index, and likelihood ratios were calculated to determine optimal RPE cutoff values for use in dosage of resistive exercise. Results: 14 female and 12 male participants completed the study (mean age 45.3, SD 18.4, range 21.0-81.4). 27% of participants selfreported knee OA, and 19% reported a history of unilateral lower extremity surgery. A good-to-excellent correlation was found between 1RM and RPE (Spearman rho, 0.787, p < .001; see Figure 1 for Bland-Altman plot). In addition to the overall relationship between the two dosage methods, moderate correlations were determined to exist between percentage of 1RM and RPE at each resistance interval (see Table 1). Test-retest reliability was excellent (Spearman rho, 0.830, p < .001, see Figure 2 for Bland-Altman plot). Area under the curve was high at each resistance interval (0.83-0.92), indicating that RPE strongly predicted percentage of 1RM at each interval from 20% through 90% of 1RM. Table 2 represents these data and suggested RPE cutoff values to approximate each percentage of 1RM for use in dosage of strengthening exercises.

The diversity and number of items included in the consensual list developed in the current study reflect the heterogeneity of the concept of AP. This study is an important first step in achieving more transparency and homogeneity in the concept of AP in both rheumatology daily clinical practice and research.