On the diagnostic criteria of active rheumatoid arthritis

Validating the 28-Tender Joint Count Using Item Response Theory

“…The results concerning the reflection of left-right symmetry of joint involvement in the joint para meters reflect several studies that emphasize that symmetry of joint involvement characterizes RA 4,5,6,7 , providing additional support for the construct validity of the TJC-28. From a strict test perspective it can be argued that this would imply that half of the joints can be removed from the TJC-28.…”

“…Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease, decreasing life expectancy by 3 to 10 years compared to the general population 1,2 . People with RA experience chronic inflammation of joints and periarticular tissues 3 , characterized by symmetric pain and swelling in the joints 4,5,6,7 . The disease generally follows an unpredictable course, often with alternating periods of mild and severe disease activity 3 .…”

New York clinical criteria for ankylosing spondylitis. A statistical evaluation.

“…Evidence for this conclusion is based on our observation that clinical objectivity makes little difference to the results of the overall evaluation. Abramson (1967) has drawn attention to similar differences between evaluations of clinical criteria in rheumatoid arthritis. This author also believed that lack of comparability between sets of criteria was one explanation for the inter-observer differences between evaluation studies.…”

Radiological Grading Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…The latter, widely used in epidemiology. has shown good repeatability (7), though discrepancies have also been reported (1). Repeatability of the methods used is essential for the comparability of studies made in different countries.…”