Key clinical point: Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who achieved disease remission and sustained it for 10 years had significantly lower structural progression and functional impairment than those who continued to have low disease activity (LDA).
Major finding: Patients with sustained remission vs sustained LDA had significantly lower mean 10-year structural progression (van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score 4.06 vs 14.59; P < .001) and 10-year functional impairment (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index 0.14 vs 0.53; P < .001) scores.
Study details: This study analyzed the data of 252 patients with early RA from the ESPOIR cohort, of whom 48 patients were in sustained remission and 135 patients had sustained LDA.
Disclosures: The ESPOIR cohort was supported by grants from Merck Sharp & Dohme and other sources. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Ruyssen-Witrand A et al. Ten-year radiographic and functional outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients in remission compared to patients in low disease activity. Arthritis Res Ther. 2023;25:207 (Oct 20). doi: 10.1186/s13075-023-03176-7