Outcome measures in inflammatory arthritis

Dr Bernadette Lynch and Dr Douglas J. Veale describe the types of remission in arthritis and the various methods of measuring outcomes. Inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) affect two per cent to three per cent of the population and are associated with significant mortality, morbidity and economic costs. {openx:269} The chronic nature of the arthritides is characterised by progressive inflammation leading to joint damage and destruction. Although the aetiology remains elusive, our understanding of the mechanisms involved is becoming increasingly well characterised, with the identification of key pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, thought to…