[Therapy evaluation in rheumatology with an electronic data processing system]

A system for the evaluation of therapeutical effects in rheumatic diseases is presented. This system permits a calculation of two indices: i.e. rheuma-number and "Masszahl" (= only measured values such as range of motion in degrees) which lend themselves to statistical treatment. The result of standardized physical joint examination of patients is recorded on two mark-pages, specially developed for documentation of joint status. The data recorded on the two-mark-pages are then entered into the computer by means of a mark-page-reader. On the basis of these data, the computer, upon the basis of a program specially developed for this purpose, automatically calculates the corresponding amount of negative-points, which parallels the severity of the joint changes, i.e. the rheuma-number ("Rheumazahl"). Separately listed at the end of the status-outprint is the "Masszahl", which is part of the rheuma-number and comprises the measured values (for example, the range of motion measured in degrees). The practicability of this system is demonstrated on the basis of the results of a double-blind-comparison of two antirheumatic-corticosteroid-combinations and an open study with immuno-suppressives in patinets with rheumatoid arthritis.