Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Defining remission in rheumatoid arthritis.
1Clinical Epidemiology Research and Training Unit, Boston University, 715 Albany Street, A203, Boston, MA 02118, USA. dfelson@bu.edu
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|March 31, 2012
Summary
This study established new remission definitions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials. The American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism now recommends two criteria for defining RA remission in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Trial Design
- Disease Activity Measurement
Background:
- Inconsistent definitions of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials hinder treatment evaluation.
- A need exists for standardized, reliable remission criteria applicable in both clinical trials and practice settings.
Framework:
- The working group evaluated core set outcome measures for RA trials.
- Patient-reported outcomes were identified as crucial for distinguishing treatment efficacy.
- Candidate remission definitions, including Boolean and index-based versions, were developed and tested.
Implementation:
- Disease Activity Score 28 thresholds showed poorer performance in predicting remission compared to other measures.
- Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and Boolean definitions demonstrated better predictive accuracy.
- Two definitions were selected: a Boolean-based definition and an SDAI-based definition (≤3.3).
Implications:
- The American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism have adopted two new, similar definitions for RA remission.
- These standardized definitions will improve consistency and comparability across RA clinical trials.
- The new criteria aim to ensure minimal active disease and predict low risk of future functional or radiographic progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...