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Outcome measures in inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Jaap Fransen1, Piet L C M van Riel
1Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Rheumatology, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.fransen@reuma.umcn.nl
Arthritis Research & Therapy
|October 24, 2009
Summary
Developments in outcome measures for inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, focus on assessing low disease activity and preventing consequences. Using consistent measures in clinical trials and practice improves patient management and knowledge transfer.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Trials
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Inflammatory rheumatic diseases are complex, necessitating multifaceted outcome measurement.
- Advancements in treatments drive the evolution of outcome measures.
- Current trends emphasize measuring low disease activity and preventing long-term consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in outcome measures for inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
- To focus on applications in both clinical trials and daily practice.
- To highlight advancements specifically for rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on outcome measures in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
- Analysis of measures suitable for clinical trials and patient management.
- Emphasis on continuous measures for efficacy assessment.
Main Results:
- Outcome measures are increasingly sophisticated, tracking low disease activity.
- Consistency between trial and practice measures is advantageous for patient care.
- Continuous measures are preferred for primary outcomes in trials.
Conclusions:
- Standardized outcome measures enhance patient management and knowledge transfer.
- Future developments aim for sensitive measures of low disease activity and disease consequences.
- Alignment of measures in trials and practice is crucial for effective rheumatic disease management.
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