Progression of joint damage in early rheumatoid arthritis: Association with HLA–DRB1, rheumatoid factor, and anti–citrullinated protein antibodies in relation to different treatment strategies

Abstract

In patients with early RA treated with the goal of tight control of the DAS, no significant association between HLA-DRB1 status and radiographic progression was found. RF and ACPA were predictive of progressive disease only in patients treated with sequential monotherapy. These observations suggest that effective treatment can prevent radiographic progression, even in patients with risk factors for severe damage.