Morphological parameters in quadriceps muscle were associated with clinical features, muscle strength and physical function of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

BACKGROUNDRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory and chronic disease that may lead to loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and decreased functionality. Our objectives were to assess the quadriceps muscle morphology by ultrasound (MU) and verify its associations with clinical features, muscle strength and physical function in RA patients. CONCLUSIONQuadriceps muscle morphology by ultrasound appears to be affected by age, disease duration, disease activity, muscle strength and objective and subjective physical function in patients with RA. In this sense, MU may be a useful method to evaluate the impact of the disease on skeletal muscle.