Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Bone erosion is a central pathophysiological process and an important outcome parameter in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
OBJECTIVE:
To assess prevalence of erosions in metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJs) & proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJs) in RA using ultrasonography and to evaluate the associates if present.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Ninety two patients with RA diagnosed according to The 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for RA were compared with 158 healthy individuals matched for age and sex. Disease activity score 28 joints (DAS28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured. Ultrasonography was performed using Seimens Elegra with 7.5 MHz linear array transducer by radiologist for MCPJs and PIPJs.
RESULTS:
Erosions in RA were significantly more than those of controls (44 (47.8%) versus 0(0%) (p = 0.000). Erosions in MCPJs were more than PIPJs and both MCPJs & PIPJs (33(75% ) versus 4(9.1% ) versus 7(15.9%) respectively) (p=0.005). High ESR, positive CRP, and positive RF were significant associates with the erosions (p= 0.008, p= 0.000, p= 0.002 respectively).
CONCLUSION:
Prevalence of erosions in MCPJs and PIPJs of RA patients was high (47.8%).High ESR, positive CRP, and positive RF were significant associates with erosions.