Reproducibility of multiple-observer scoring of radiologic abnormalities in the hands and wrists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Ultrasonography in the evaluation of bone erosions

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography in depicting erosions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to compare sonographic and radiographic findings.

METHODS

Sonographic images were obtained with an AU-4 Idea Esaote Biomedica (Genoa, Italy) equipped with a 13 MHz linear transducer.

RESULTS

The images reported in this essay are representative examples of the ability of ultrasonography to detect and characterise even minimal bone margin changes in rheumatoid arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography with very high frequency transducers can depict bone erosions in early target areas of bone resorption. However, further studies are needed to validate this technique and to evaluate the relation between sonographic findings and those obtained with other imaging techniques (standard radiology, magnetic resonance).

Where is imaging going in rheumatology?

Four new approaches to imaging are now becoming available. First is filmless radiology, with flat detectors that 'permit access' to PACS, the picture archiving communication system, and teleteaching. Second is ultrasonography (US), involving three-dimensional volume, harmonic Doppler energy and digital technology techniques, with contrast agents and biopsy needles. Next is computer tomography (CT), using volume acquisition multislices, spiral reconstruction and solid detectors, as well as multidetectors. Finally comes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A low magnetic field with an open MRI scan permits interventional radiology in musculoskeletal disease. High magnetic fields are mainly used for clinical research and permit rapid examination, in approximately 10 minutes. In interventional radiology, many procedures can be performed with the guidance of digital radiography, US or MRI. Two areas of localization have to be considered: the spine and the peripheral joints, particularly the shoulder, wrist and foot. Guidelines contribute to good medical practice, but there are other considerations, such as machine accessibility, the nature of the treatment, the personality of the patient and the role of the hospital. Overinvestigation has to be avoided for four reasons: an increase in patient anxiety, the cost of health-care management, the risk of irradiation and sometimes the lack of diagnostic value of these procedures. In rheumatoid arthritis, MRI can detect lesions at an earlier stage of their development and identify subtle lesions and synovitis. Imaging (using x-rays, MRI and US) is important in the assessment of the effectiveness of slow-acting drugs in rheumatoid arthritis, especially since joint damage can progress in spite of a clinical improvement in joint inflammation. In the future, teletransmission, by the Internet or intranet and using PACS, will change our approach to the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disease. Future developments therefore include PACS, filmless radiology, the Internet and intranet, harmonic US, multidetector CT scanning and open MRI on the technical side, as well as the study of cartilage and international radiology on the clinical side.

Synovectomy combined with the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for the rheumatoid wrist

The aim of synovectomy-stabilization (synovectomy combined with the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure) of the rheumatoid wrist is to obtain a stable painless wrist, retaining enough mobility for function. Thirty-nine wrists were retrospectively examined, at a mean follow up of 64.8 months. The improvement in pain was very significant. We noticed a decrease in wrist motion affecting both flexion and radial deviation. The arthritic change in the wrist continued to increase. We noticed a mean ulnar shift of 2.2 mm and a mean increase in the radial deviation of the wrist of 7 degrees. Only transfer of the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon to the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon was effective in correcting radial deviation of the carpus. Ninety-seven per cent of patients were very satisfied or satisfied. These encouraging results, even at advanced stages of wrist arthritis, have prompted us to lessen the indications for wrist arthrodesis.

Radiographic outcome of recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis: a 19-year study of radiographic progression

OBJECTIVE

To describe the longitudinal radiographic course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to identify and quantitate predictors of radiographic progression.

METHODS

This prospective, longitudinal study of radiographic progression and clinical predictors of RA involved 256 patients with RA who were seen within the first 2 years of disease (mean 0.77 years) and were followed up for up to 19 years. Participants underwent a total of 6,278 clinical assessments (mean 24.5) and 934 paired radiographs (mean 3.1, range 2-6). Clinical assessments at every visit included determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), grip strength, pain scores, tender joint counts, and anxiety and depression measurements. Regression analyses utilized time-integrated predictors.

RESULTS

Overall, radiographic progression rates, as measured by the summary Sharp scores, appeared constant over the course of RA. The strongest correlate of progression was the time-integrated ESR (rho=0.53). This association grew stronger with time. At 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-15 years, and 15-20 years, correlations were 0.40, 0.50, 0.65, and 0.74, respectively, and for the period 10-20 years, the correlation was 0.67. In multivariate models, the mean ESR, mean grip strength, rheumatoid factor positivity, and tender joint count were independent predictors of radiographic progression.

CONCLUSION

Radiographic damage occurs at a constant rate in RA, and is not greater early in RA or reduced later in the course of the illness. Acute-phase reactants are, by far, the strongest determinants of progression.

Assessment of rheumatoid arthritis using a modified scoring method on digitized and original radiographs

OBJECTIVE

The results of different readers' interpretations of laser-digitized hand radiographs versus original radiographs were compared to determine the reproducibility of scoring of erosions (ERO), joint space narrowing (JSN), and their combination (ERO + JSN) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Standardized radiographs of both hands were obtained at 2 visits (baseline and 6-24-month followup) from 30 patients with established RA. Conventional and laser-digitized (pixel sizes 50 microm and 100 microm) radiographs were scored independently by 3 experienced and trained radiologists who were blinded to the order of the visits. Scoring of radiographs was based on the validated Genant grading system.

RESULTS

Intertechnique (intrareader) correlation coefficients at baseline were 0.90-0.93 for scoring of ERO, 0.90-0.94 for scoring of JSN, and 0.92-0.95 for ERO + JSN; for scoring of progression between baseline and followup, these values were 0.93-0.97, 0.87-0.95, and 0.93-0.97, respectively. Interreader (intratechnique) correlation coefficients at baseline were 0.82-0.96 for scoring of ERO, 0.69-0.91 for scoring of JSN, and 0.80-0.95 for ERO + JSN; for scoring of progression between baseline and followup, these values were 0.90-0.97, 0.80-0.92, and 0.90-0.95, respectively. Intrareader (intratechnique) correlation coefficients were 0.90-0.97 for scoring of the original radiographs and 0.90-0.98 for scoring of the digitized images at 100 microm.

CONCLUSION

Using this modified grading system, scoring of RA progression directly from paired, high-resolution monitors of laser-digitized images of the hands provided highly reproducible results, comparable to those obtained from the original radiographs. Thus, this method may have useful applications in clinical trials involving RA.

Plain X-rays in rheumatoid arthritis: overview of scoring methods, their reliability and applicability

Radiographs are a suitable outcome measure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They reflect the history of the joint pathology and provide a permanent record necessary for serial evaluation of the disease. Great care should be taken to overcome technical problems with radiographs to ensure that good quality films are available to score. Many scoring methods have been described ranging from a global score for the whole patient to the more sophisticated methods of scoring erosions and joint space narrowing in a selected number of joints. These latter abnormalities give additive information and are the most important features in scoring radiographs in rheumatoid arthritis. An overview of the most important methods is given with an emphasis on four selected methods: the Larsen method, a modification of this by Rau and Herborn, the Sharp method and a modification of this by van der Heijde. All four methods produce sufficient intra- and inter-observer reliability. Although data are scarce, the Sharp method and its modifications seem the most sensitive methods for detecting changes over time. However, these are more time-consuming than the Larsen method or its modifications. Depending on the type of study a choice can be made between the two types of methods. For clinical trials where small differences are important, the (modified) Sharp method seems the most appropriate. In working with large data sets, time might be a more crucial factor and, therefore, the (modified) Larsen method could be chosen.

Comparison of azathioprine, methotrexate, and the combination of the two in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A forty-eight-week controlled clinical trial with radiologic outcome assessment

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relative efficacy of methotrexate (MTX), azathioprine (AZA), and their combination in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a double-blind, prospective, multicenter, controlled trial.

METHODS

Two hundred nine patients with active RA were treated with escalating doses of MTX (5-15 mg/week), AZA (50-150 mg/day), or combination (5mg MTX/week plus 50 mg AZA/day-7.5 mg MTX/week plus 100 mg AZA/day), with opportunity to increase the dosage at 6-week intervals. The patients were evaluated for significant clinical and laboratory improvement and assessed for radiologic progression at 48 weeks.

RESULTS

One hundred ten patients remained on the initial, randomly assigned therapeutic regimen. The percentage of patients who were responders, defined as those who had 30% or greater improvement in at least 3 of 4 variables, was 38% for the combination treatment, 26% for AZA, and 45% for MTX (P = 0.06). A trend toward decreased radiologic progression was seen in the MTX-treated patients. Termination of treatment due to adverse experience occurred more frequently with combination and AZA treatments than with MTX treatment. Lack of effectiveness, adverse gastrointestinal effects, and liver enzyme elevation were the most frequent causes of treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes that the combination of MTX and AZA in the dosages utilized is not associated with more toxicity than treatment with single agents; however, enhanced efficacy is also not seen. There is a trend toward decreased radiologic progression in patients treated with MTX.

Prediction of progression of radiologic damage in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the extent to which early radiologic damage is predicted by joint inflammation in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Regression analysis was performed on 1-year progression of total radiologic damage for baseline characteristics and cumulative disease activity measures, and the effects of continued joint inflammation on the progression of damage in separate joint groups were investigated.

RESULTS

Odds ratios for progression of total damage were 12 for the presence of rheumatoid factor, 5 for the presence of damage at baseline, and 2 for cumulative joint inflammation. A positive association between continued joint inflammation and progression of damage was found to be statistically significant for most joint groups.

CONCLUSION

Progression of radiologic damage in patients with newly diagnosed RA is independently associated with the presence of rheumatoid factor and damage at baseline and with cumulative joint inflammation.

Joint space measurement in hand radiographs using computerized image analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare computerized joint space (JS) measurements with conventional joint space narrowing (JSN) scores in patients with mild rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Serial paired hand and wrist radiographs from 34 patients with classic rheumatoid arthritis were evaluated. Purpose-written software automatically measured the JS on test images and standard clinical hand radiographs; JSN was scored "blind" by 6 observers.

RESULTS

The software proved reliable. JS values differed significantly (men > women; metacarpophalangeal > proximal interphalangeal joints), declining with disease duration more than with age; JSN scores correlated poorly and varied more.

CONCLUSION

Computerization permits sensitive JS measurement and should be of benefit in studies of early joint disease.

Criteria for rheumatic disease. Different types and different functions. The American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic and Therapeutic Criteria Committee

Criteria sets formalize our approach to studying the etiology, course, and management of rheumatic diseases, and provide a conceptual base for measuring future improvements in clinical care. They focus our clinical objectives and improve our clinical research activities. They are dynamic, evolving, and will certainly undergo major changes. Understanding the purposes of specific criteria sets and the differences between different criteria categories is crucial for understanding the rheumatic disease literature and for the design and conduct of clinical and epidemiologic investigations.

Radiological progression in rheumatoid arthritis: how many patients are required in a treatment trial to test disease modification?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the number of patients required in a therapeutic trial that uses progression of radiological abnormalities as the outcome measure would be similar for multiple centres.

METHODS

The progression of radiological damage to the fingers and wrists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in five centres, three in North America and two in Europe, was examined. The reproducibility of repeated readings by the same and multiple observers was examined. The number of patients required in a two group trial was calculated for several combinations of power and significance.

RESULTS

Scoring progression of radiological abnormalities in sequential films taken between 0.5 and 2.1 years was found to be highly reproducible. When the scores of a single reader were used the rate of change of radiological scores was similar in all centres. Based on the mean progression rate for all centres it was estimated that 153 patients in each group would be required to assure 90% power for detecting a 50% slowing of radiological progression at a significance of 0.05. Review of the experience in three trials showed a large variability in the radiological progression rates.

CONCLUSION

The progression of scores for radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis is relatively uniform in North America and Europe and thus the number of patients required in a trial would be similar. Experience in three trials showed that patient selection is of paramount importance in setting up a successful study.

The effects of drug therapy on radiographic progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Results of a 36-week randomized trial comparing methotrexate and auranofin

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of drug therapy (methotrexate [MTX] versus auranofin [AUR]) on radiographic progression in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We conducted a 9-month randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial comparing MTX and AUR. Standardized radiographs of the hands and wrists were obtained at baseline and at completion of the study. Four experienced bone radiologists graded the radiographs for erosions, joint space narrowing, erosion healing, and reparative bone formation.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-one patients were enrolled in the study. Radiographs were available on 167 of the 183 who completed the trial. After 9 months of therapy, there was a significantly greater worsening of the erosion score in the AUR group (mean +/- SEM change of 1.67 +/- 0.4) compared with the change in the MTX group (0.60 +/- 0.3) (P = 0.040). There was also a significantly greater worsening of the joint space narrowing score in the AUR group compared with the MTX group (1.36 +/- 0.3 versus 0.42 +/- 0.2) (P = 0.007). There was no difference demonstrated between groups in healing of erosions or in reparative bone formation.

CONCLUSION

The rate of radiographic progression in patients with RA, as measured by erosion score and joint space narrowing score, was demonstrated to be lower in those treated with MTX, as compared with AUR, over a 36-week period.

Precision of the Larsen and the Sharp methods of assessing radiologic change in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the sensitivity of Sharp's and Larsen's radiographic scoring methods for detecting change in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over time.

METHODS

Radiographs of the hands and wrists were taken at the beginning and at the end of a 2-year followup period, in 42 patients with active RA. Films were scored blindly using both scoring methods. Patients were under treatment with methotrexate (intramuscular injections).

RESULTS

Radiographic evidence of progression or amelioration was detected in 25 patients by Larsen's method and in 35 patients by Sharp's method. The relative sensitivity to change over time was greater for Sharp's method (0.01 less than P less than 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Sharp's radiographic scoring method seems to be more sensitive to change over time than is Larsen's method. The clinical importance of the change needs to be definitively established.

Ulnar translation of the scaphoid: an early X-ray sign of rheumatoid arthritis

The distance between the os trapezium and radius (which we called scaphoid distance) became shorter during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Measurement of this distance was performed in 600 hands (300 patients), using standard position of patient's hand in supination with permanent angle (15-20%) between the axis of the radius and the axis of the third metacarpal bone (scaphoid distance). This provided a stable distance between the most distal point of the radial styloid process and most proximal point of the os trapezium. The patients were divided into two groups: a control group consisting of 100 patients with no inflammatory joint disease, and a group of 200 patients suffering from RA. Patients suffering from RA with bone erosions had smaller scaphoid distance than those suffering from RA without bone erosions. The ratio between the distance from the distal radius to the most distal point of the third metacarpal bone and scaphoid index was called carpo-metacarpo-scaphoid index. It excluded the constitutional influence on the scaphoid distance. The shorter the scaphoid distance, the bigger the carpo-metacarpo-scaphoid index. The average indexes were: in the control group 7.8 (+/- 0.4), in group 2A with advanced RA 21.1 (+/- 4.1), and in group 2B with early RA without bone changes 12.0 (+/- 1.6). The results were statistically significant. The measurements are easy to perform and may be helpful in the early X-ray diagnosis of RA, when there are no bone erosions, or narrowing of articular spaces.

Validity of single variables and composite indices for measuring disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

There is no agreement as to which variable best mirrors disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and no studies have been performed on the validity of disease activity variables. In this study the validity of 10 commonly used single variables and three composite indices was tested. All patients participated in a large follow up study in two clinics. The patients (n = 233) had classical or definite RA and a disease duration of less than one year at entry. The mean follow up time was 30 months; the follow up frequency was once every four weeks; 6011 records were used in the analysis. The validation criteria included correlations with the other variables (correlational validity), with the physical disability (criterion validity I), and with the radiographically determined damage of hands and feet (construct validity). The judgment of a group of rheumatologists in clinical practice was also used as a model of criterion validity (II). In this comparison the disease activity score and Mallya index showed the best validity. The best single variable was the number of swollen joints. The validity of most single variables was poor and these variables were not suitable as single endpoint measures in clinical trials.

The progression of erosion and joint space narrowing scores in rheumatoid arthritis during the first twenty-five years of disease

Erosions and cartilage destruction are nearly universal features in peripheral joints that have been chronically affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Scoring methods to measure the extent of these abnormalities in hands and wrists have been developed and have been thoroughly tested in several studies to establish their reproducibility. In this study, we utilized one of these scoring methods to examine the progression of radiologic damage as related to duration of disease. Two hundred ninety-two patients from 3 different participating centers in the Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Aging Medical Information System were included. Six hundred fifty films of the hands and wrists, obtained from 210 patients, were scored for erosions and joint space narrowing. The average annual rate of progression of the total radiologic score, which sums erosion and joint space abnormalities and has a maximum possible score of 314, was approximately 4 units per year over the first 25 years after onset; this progression was more rapid in the earlier years of disease and slightly slower in the later years. Data were insufficient to accurately determine the progression rate in disease of more than 25 years duration.

Precision of Larsen grading of radiographs in assessing progression of rheumatoid arthritis in individual patients

A study was designed to evaluate observer variation in the assessment of radiographic deterioration of individual patients using the Larsen grading system. Radiographs of hands and feet of 52 patients were assessed by three observers. Each patient had paired films taken one year apart which were assessed together for change in score. To assess within-observer variation each set of films was read twice by all observers. The average progression was 11.6 (SD 9.0). Analysis of the source of variation showed the single observer replication SD to be 3.7 but that for different observers to be 5.5. This may be interpreted as indicating that to achieve 95% confidence of detecting a true change an increase in Larsen score of 8 is required if the same observer assesses or up to 11 if a different observer assesses.

Computerized assessment of radiological changes of the hand in rheumatic diseases

Evaluations of radiological changes in rheumatic diseases are subject to great inconsistency. In this study, digital image analysis is shown to be a promising tool in the evaluation of joint space narrowing. The repeatability of the measurements is shown to be better than that of manual methods and is also less dependent on the observer.

In vitro rheumatoid factor synthesis in patients taking second-line drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Independent associations with disease activity

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients whose unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells produce high levels of IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) in vitro have more severe disease activity. RA patients being treated with second-line agents, including gold salts, penicillamine, or methotrexate, tend to be low producers or nonproducers of IgM-RF in vitro. The possibility that low production or nonproduction of IgM-RF in vitro may be explained by treatment with second-line agents alone, irrespective of disease activity, was analyzed in 133 RA patients whose disease status was assessed by multiple laboratory and clinical measures. The results indicate that treatment with second-line agents and in vitro IgM-RF synthesis are independently associated with disease activity.

The basis for variability of response to anti-rheumatic drugs

The reasons for variability of response to anti-rheumatic drugs are myriad. All the factors that contribute to kinetic variability, for example, contribute to differences in response between individuals. Thus, differences in drug formulation, protein binding, drug metabolism and excretion, all contribute to variable responses. Further, factors which contribute to differential clinical response/toxicity must be considered. Here, age, gender, genetic background, weight, concomitant diseases and numerous environmental factors come into play. Among the environmental factors are such diverse elements as smoking, activity and diet. Finally our ability to measure change, be it in response or toxicity, is limited, introducing apparent variability (as much as real variability) into the equation. While we cannot, at present, delineate the contribution of each factor to individual variability, it is hoped that systematic, persistent effort will help us understand and then control these elements, leading to improved ability to individualize therapy and decrease the variability of response to anti-rheumatic drugs.

Progressive joint damage during penicillamine therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Progressive joint damage characterises rheumatoid arthritis despite treatment with slow-acting drugs such as penicillamine. We examined a cohort of 145 RA patients, treated with 250 or 500 mg penicillamine daily for 18 months to study progressive joint damage measured using Larsen's standard radiographs. Overall damage increased significantly over 18 months at both doses of penicillamine. Radiological changes between 6-18 months were studied in detail in 55 cases. They were divided into rapidly progressive (increases in Larsen score of more than 5) or slowly progressive (increases in Larsen score of 5 or less). Overall clinical response, visual analogue pain score, ESR, haemoglobin and platelet count were significantly lower in the slowly progressive patients; articular index and duration of morning stiffness were slightly lower; latex titre, RAHA titre, joint size and white cell count showed no differences between groups. There is an indirect relationship between progressive joint damage and some clinical and laboratory measures. The reasons underlying our failure to control progression in some cases need further definition.

Associations of HLA-DR4 with rheumatoid factor and radiographic severity in rheumatoid arthritis

Possible associations between HLA-DR4 and laboratory, radiographic, joint count, functional, and demographic measures of clinical status were analyzed in 154 white patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, 65 percent of the patients were HLA-DR4 positive, similar to other series. HLA-DR4 was associated significantly with the presence of rheumatoid factor and more severe radiographic changes. HLA-DR4 was not associated with significant differences in demographic, joint count, or functional measures of clinical status. HLA-DR1 was not associated significantly with differences in the presence of rheumatoid factor, radiographic changes, or other measures of clinical status. Selective associations of HLA-DR4 with rheumatoid factor and radiographic scores were more marked in men than in women. Patients who were putatively homozygous for HLA-DR4 were all seropositive and had more severe radiographic changes than patients who were heterozygous for HLA-DR4.

Radiographic and joint count findings of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis. Related and unrelated findings

Radiographic and physical joint count findings of the hands and wrists of 148 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Quantitative radiographic scores for joint space narrowing, erosion, and malalignment were correlated highly with joint count scores for limitation of motion and deformity, and were correlated at considerably lower levels with joint swelling scores. Radiographic scores, however, were not correlated at all with joint count tenderness scores. That 2 of the most widely used indices of RA disease activity, radiographic erosion scores and joint count scores for tenderness, were independent of one another at a selected timepoint, should be considered in the design of clinical trials and long-term observation of patients with RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis: can the long-term outcome be altered?

Although several agents (for example, intramuscularly administered gold, auranofin, D-penicillamine, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate) are of clinical benefit in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their effect on the long-term outcome of the disease is controversial. Assessment of the influence of therapeutic interventions in RA is difficult because the natural history of the disease remains poorly defined and unpredictable, and neither the traditional clinical and laboratory measurements of inflammation nor radiographic analyses of progression of joint destruction provide an accurate estimate of the long-term outcome of RA. Furthermore, there is little evidence that second-line agents yield benefits beyond 3 years. Therefore, adequately tested comprehensive measures should be used in large, long-term, multicenter controlled clinical trials to determine whether the long-term outcome of RA can be altered.

Use of radiographs to measure outcome in rheumatoid arthritis

Currently, radiographic analysis of the hands and wrists provides the most practical, useful, and objective biologic endpoint for measurement of outcome in rheumatoid arthritis. Semiquantitative scoring methods for cartilage loss and osseous erosions developed by Sharp (Arthritis Rheum 1971; 14: 706-720) and Larsen (Scand J Rheum 1973; 2: 136-138) have established standards for sensitivity and interobserver reliability. Sharp (Arthritis Rheum 1985; 28: 16-24) has shown that in order to reliably measure change in erosion score, a certain degree of worsening (i.e., progression) must take place. At least one year is necessary, preferably two. Others have shown that rheumatoid arthritis erosions take place and progress early (Years 1 to 3) in most patients, and once destruction is established it may not be possible to adequately assess further change radiographically. Therefore, in order to perform a clinical trial of "disease modifying" agents with radiographic analysis as endpoint, the selections of a proper study population and time interval are most critical. Although it may be difficult to perform, an ideal clinical study for a therapeutic intervention would use patients with rheumatoid arthritis of less than five years' disease duration and perform radiographic analysis at a 24-month minimum interval. The selection of a proper control group may be a near impossibility under these circumstances.

Immunologic studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate

Immunologic functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with methotrexate (MTX). Spontaneous IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) synthesis by unstimulated cultured blood mononuclear cells was seen in only 3 of 18 MTX-treated patients, compared with 31 of 54 RA patients who were not receiving long-acting drugs. Total IgM production by unstimulated cultured mononuclear cells, pokeweed mitogen-induced antibody synthesis, and plasma levels of IgM-RF were also lower in MTX-treated patients than in other RA patients. The numbers of circulating B cells, T4 and T8 cells, the T4:T8 cell ratio, and mitogen-induced proliferation indices were similar in MTX-treated and non-MTX-treated patients. Eleven additional patients were studied prospectively after initiation of MTX therapy. All showed significant decreases in spontaneous IgM-RF synthesis, with declining IgM-RF:IgM ratios, including all of the 9 who were studied during the first 24 hours of treatment. The results indicate that MTX has rapid effects on IgM-RF synthesis, and this action might be associated with its therapeutic efficacy in RA.

Radiological evaluation of erosions: a quantitative method for assessing long-term remittive therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

1 The most reliable method for evaluating possible remission-inducing properties in a drug is to measure how well it prevents the appearance of new erosions in serial X-rays of the hands. 2 I have reviewed the literature on the development, over the last 25 years, of a standard method for quantitatively assessing the progress of erosions radiologically. 3 The only drugs thus far shown to be genuinely remission-inducing are cyclophosphamide, high-dose penicillamine, and (most consistently over several decades) gold-thiols, all drugs with life-threatening toxicity. 4 The search for a non-steroidal drug with remission-inducing properties is crucial in our efforts to find a safe drug to control the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Assessment of radiologic progression in rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, controlled trial

Radiologic assessment of progressive joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis is generally considered to be the ultimate standard for evaluation of treatment. We compared alternative radiologic techniques by performing a randomized, controlled trial in which hand films of rheumatoid arthritis patients were read by several skilled observes. The number of joints evaluated (34 versus 18) was found to make relatively little difference, but the number of readers and their experience level was critical. Films should be read in pairs. Joint space narrowing and erosion scores were shown to contribute independent information. Use of recommended techniques can reduce the number of patients required and, thus, can reduce the cost of a clinical trial by more than half and can substantially increase the sensitivity and efficiency of a trial. Therefore, critical selection of the method of assessing study endpoint is of great importance.

How many joints in the hands and wrists should be included in a score of radiologic abnormalities used to assess rheumatoid arthritis?

Numerous methods for reading abnormalities of rheumatoid arthritis in hand and wrist radiographs have been proposed over the past several decades. There are many differences among these methods, one of the more striking of which is the variation in the number of joints that are scored. In this study, we tested the number of joints that need to be read in order to represent abnormalities accurately and reproducibly, using the scores of multiple observers. Thirteen rheumatologists and radiologists each read a set of 41 hand and wrist films from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ten of 13 readers scored 27 joints in each hand and wrist; the other 3 readers scored fewer areas. Fourteen combinations of joints were selected based on the frequency of involvement and the technical adequacy of routine films in assessing a given area. After testing these 14 different combinations, 1 scheme, which included 17 areas read for erosions and 18 areas read for joint space narrowing, was tested further. The correlation coefficients for 10 intraobserver scores derived from this modified scheme compared with the original scores were between 0.981 and 0.997. Seventy-one of 78 interobserver comparisons were better using the new scheme than using the original scheme. These data indicate that the simplified scheme, using a combination of 17 joints to score erosions and 18 to score joint space narrowing, more accurately reflects the extent of abnormalities perceived by a panel of experts than does the original scheme. This abbreviated number of joints shortens the amount of time required to read a set of films and simplifies the scoring of films, since a number of areas that are difficult to read are eliminated from radiographic assessment.