Summary
Data from 59 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were analysed to determine the predictive value of the possession of HLA-DR4 for disease severity and functional outcome at 3 years after disease onset. The previously reported association of that antigen with seropositive disease was confirmed. Conversely, however, there was no evidence that functional outcome was worse in the HLA-DR4 positive group as measured by the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. The mean articular index was lower in the HLA-DR4 group which also had a smaller proportion with limited wrist extension. In addition, both patient and physicians' global assessment of disease status were better in the HLA-DR4 group. It is concluded that HLA-DR4 is not a useful predictor of poor outcome at 3 years.
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Silman, A.J., Reeback, J. & Jaraquemada, D. HLA-DR4 as a predictor of outcome three years after onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 6, 233–235 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541373
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541373