New Model Identifies Which Patients Need Aggressive Treatment for Arthritis
By Rehab Management: Rehab Today,Publication Date: March 2007
Article focuses on a prediction model developed in the Netherlands to identify which physical therapy clients need early, aggressive treatment for arthritis. Research has shown that symptoms of arthritis such as pain and stiffness resolve on their own among clients with non-specific arthritis, though roughly a third of clients are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and other parts of the body. The model was developed using data from 570 newly diagnosed clients who were followed for a period of 1 year, while important variables include age, sex, number of tender and swollen joints, morning stiffness, and the location of affected joints. Blood tests for C-reactive protein levels and rheumatoid are included in the model. The researchers developed a 14-point predictive score, with 0 being the lowest likelihood of progression to rheumatoid arthritis. The development phase saw none of the clients with a score of three or less end up with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.rehabpub.com/RMN/2007-03-05_3.asp
