Rheumatoid arthritis characteristics and classification of heat and cold patterns-an observational study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Data Analysis

Background:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers effective complementary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Classifying RA patients into distinct TCM patterns (cold and heat) is crucial for tailored treatment.
• The cold pattern involves fear of cold and joint pain relieved by heat, while the heat pattern presents with severe joint pain, swelling, and redness relieved by cooling therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify heat and cold patterns in RA patients using cluster and factor analysis.
• To investigate the association of RA characteristics between the heat and cold patterns.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 300 RA patients in Hangzhou, China.
• Cluster analysis and factor analysis were employed to classify TCM patterns based on RA signs and symptoms.
• Exploration of characteristics and treatment differences between the classified heat and cold patterns.

Main Results:

• RA patients were successfully categorized into heat and cold patterns.
• Heat pattern RA patients showed significantly higher C-reactive protein, platelet count, and disease activity scores.
• Heat pattern RA patients were more frequently prescribed two or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) combined with methotrexate (MTX).

Conclusions:

• Cluster and factor analysis effectively classify heat and cold patterns in RA patients.
• The heat pattern in RA is associated with higher disease activity.
• Heat pattern RA patients are more likely to receive combination therapy with DMARDs and MTX.