The prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Sixty patients with early diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis according ARA criteria were followed up for 6.6 years with the goal to determine prognosis. The parameters relevant to patient and physician were selected for follow up. Radiological and functional deterioration was evident after 6.6 years in 3/4 of patients and there was no one of them to satisfy remission criteria. The most unfavourable predictor of final outcome was the degree of functional incapacity in early stage of rheumatoid arthritis. Second important predictor of poor prognosis was degree of radiological destructive changes especially on feet. Poor prognosis could be expected in patients with previous attacks and the beginning of disease in elderly age. General symptoms and affection of mesomelic joints can be also undesirable predictor. Sex, morning stiffness, joint pattern, laboratory findings and rheumatoid factor were not significant predictors for prognosis but they could influence certain variables of global assessment.