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Assessment of disease activity
G Valentini1, A J Silman, D Veale
1Department of Rheumatology, Second University of Naples, Italy. gabriele.valentini@unina2.it
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|August 2, 2003
Summary
This study identified the European Scleroderma Study Group (ESSG) criteria as a feasible and validated method for assessing disease activity in systemic sclerosis (SSc). These criteria are recommended for both clinical practice and research investigations.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Clinical Research Methodology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) disease activity assessment requires simple, feasible, and validated core variables.
- Existing assessment methods vary, necessitating a standardized approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To select a core set of variables for assessing disease activity in systemic sclerosis.
- To evaluate the construct validity and feasibility of different assessment criteria.
Main Methods:
- Extensive review of studies assessing SSc disease activity.
- Analysis of construct validity and feasibility of existing criteria.
- Subcommittee and plenary session discussions among experts.
Main Results:
- The European Scleroderma Study Group (ESSG) criteria were identified as a viable option.
- Evaluation of cytokines and cell activation markers was considered but deemed less feasible.
- ESSG criteria demonstrated adequate construct validity and feasibility for current use.
Conclusions:
- The ESSG criteria for disease activity are currently recommended for systemic sclerosis.
- These criteria are suitable for both clinical investigation studies and routine clinical practice.
- Further validation of cytokines and cell markers may be needed for future assessments.