Patient characteristics at baseline (n=42)
| Clinical features | |
|---|---|
| Age (y) median (range) | 48:5 (27–75) |
| Sex F:M | 25:17 |
| Ethnic group | 33 white, 5 Maori, 4 Pacific Island |
| Duration of symptoms (months) mean (range) | 4 (2–6) |
| Seropositive (ever) | 38 (90%) |
| Medications | |
| NSAID | 38 (90%) |
| DMARD1-150 | 21 (50%) |
| prednisone (5–13 mg) | 5 (12%) |
| Disease activity | Median (range) |
| Ritchie index | 13.5 (0–37) |
| Swollen joint count | 14.5 (0–38) |
| Pain score | 3.3 ( 0.7–9.3) |
| HAQ score | 0.6 (0–1.8) |
| DAS | 4.19 (1.25–7.57) |
| ESR (mm 1st h) | 29 (10–131) |
| CRP (mg/l) | 18 (0–150) |
↵1-150 See text.