How does functional disability in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect patients and their lives? Results of 5 years of follow‐up in 732 patients from the Early RA Study (ERAS)

Abstract

Clinical profiles of RA patients treated with conventional drug therapy over 5 yr showed that a small proportion of patients (around 16%) do badly functionally and in terms of life events, whereas around 40% do relatively well. The details and exact figures of cumulative disability are likely to be useful to clinicians, health professionals and patients. The rate of progression and outcome in these patients can be compared against future therapies with any disease-modifying claims.