Clinical Activity After 12 Weeks of Treatment with Nonbiologics in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis May Predict Articular Destruction 2 Years Later

Abstract

In patients with early RA, ACR core set measures after 12 weeks of nonbiologic DMARD treatment may predict articular destruction 2 years later. Low response to treatment at 12 weeks and continuing high disease activity thereafter were found in patients with rapid radiological progression. These data can be used to determine the appropriateness of treatment at 12 weeks and aid the decision to introduce biologic DMARD.