PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Forslind, K AU - Ahlmén, M AU - Eberhardt, K AU - Hafström, I AU - Svensson, B ED - , TI - Prediction of radiological outcome in early rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice: role of antibodies to citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) AID - 10.1136/ard.2003.014233 DP - 2004 Sep 01 TA - Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases PG - 1090--1095 VI - 63 IP - 9 4099 - http://ard.bmj.com/content/63/9/1090.short 4100 - http://ard.bmj.com/content/63/9/1090.full SO - Ann Rheum Dis2004 Sep 01; 63 AB - Objective: To investigate the role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) for the prediction of radiological outcome in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: Anti-CCP was assessed at baseline in 379 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (disease duration <1 year). Radiological joint damage and progression were assessed by Larsen score after two years of follow up (end point) and used as outcome variables. The prognostic value of anti-CCP and other demographic and disease related baseline variables were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses, including calculation of odds ratios (OR), predictive values, and multiple logistic regression models.Results: The presence of anti-CCP was associated with significantly higher Larsen score both at baseline and at end point. Univariate predictor analysis showed that anti-CCP had the highest significant OR for radiological joint damage and progression after baseline Larsen score, followed by rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein, age, smoking status, and sex. In stepwise multiple regression analyses, baseline Larsen score, anti-CCP, and ESR were selected as significant independent predictors of the radiological outcomes.Conclusions: There is good evidence for an association of anti-CCP with radiological joint changes in rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-CCP is an independent predictor of radiological damage and progression. Though prediction in early rheumatoid arthritis is still far from perfect, the use of anti-CCP in clinical practice should make it easier for rheumatologists to reach judicious treatment decisions.