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Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation
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Risk factors of persistent synovitis development in early undifferentiated arthritis patients

Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation volume 41, pages 79–84 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Persistent synovitis (PS) may lead to erosive joint damage and result in functional disability.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors for development of PS in early undifferentiated arthritis patients (EUA) attending Al Sharqia Governorate Hospitals, Egypt.

Patients and methods

A total of 80 EUA patients comprised the patients group. Assessment was performed twice (baseline and after 1 year) using clinical, laboratory, functional, and radiological [high resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) and power Doppler (PD)] assessments.

Results

Among 80 patients assessed, 20 (25%) showed evidence of self-limiting arthritis and 60 (75%) had PS (PS):16 (27%) developed rheumatoid arthritis, 14 (23%) progressed to spondyloarthropathy, and 30 (50%) remained undifferentiated (UA). Baseline tender and swollen Joint Counts (TJC and SJC) and anti-CCP2 titer were significantly evident in PS patients. Baseline HRUS total score of synovitis and PD total score were significantly higher in PS patients. Family history of any specific rheumatic disease, SJC, anti-CCP2 titer, HRUS total synovitis score, and PD total score were the significant risk factors of PS development. The most significant risk factor of PS (logistic regression analysis) was the baseline PD total score.

Conclusion

Baseline PD total score is the most significant risk factor for development of PS in EUA patients.

Recommendation

PD examination of all patients presenting with EUA should be performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt, Post code: 11455

    Ghada S. Nageeb & Enass A. Elewa MD

  2. Departments of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Taghreed M. Azmy & Hazem Tantawy

Authors
  1. Ghada S. Nageeb
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  2. Enass A. Elewa MD
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  3. Taghreed M. Azmy
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  4. Hazem Tantawy
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Correspondence to Enass A. Elewa MD.

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Nageeb, G.S., Elewa, E.A., Azmy, T.M. et al. Risk factors of persistent synovitis development in early undifferentiated arthritis patients. Egypt Rheumatol Rehabil 41, 79–84 (2014). https://doi.org/10.4103/1110-161X.132461

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1110-161X.132461

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