Variability of precision in scoring radiographic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis by experienced readers.

Objective: To determine the extent of precision and sources of variability among experts on scoring radiographic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: Radiographic scores from 6 datasets in which 2 or more readers had scored film sets were analyzed. Datasets included scores by 11 different readers, 6 of whom scored films by both the Larsen (global) and Sharp (composite) methods.

Influence of hormone replacement therapy on disease progression and bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is known to exert a positive effect in preventing bone loss and a beneficial effect on the disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the effects of HRT on bone mineral density (BMD) and on the course of established RA.

Methods: Eighty-eight postmenopausal women with RA were randomly allocated to receive HRT, vitamin D3, and calcium supplementation or vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation alone for 2 years.

Simple function tests, but not the modified HAQ, correlate with radiological joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To test the validity of the Modified Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ) for assessment of physical disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Sixty-one RA patients with mean age of 61 years and median disease duration of four years were included in this cross sectional study. The patients completed the MHAQ.