Median values (range) of the outcome variables for radiographic joint damage as measured with the SHS and Larsen score of large joints and disability as measured with the HAQ in subgroups with respect to OC use and pregnancies before and during RA in female patients at 12 years of follow up
| Number of patients | SHS | Larsen | HAQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHS, Sharp score modification van der Heijde; Larsen, Larsen score for large joints (0–60); HAQ, Health Assessment Questionnaire. | ||||
| *Differences between − and + not significant according to Mann-Whitney. | ||||
| OC use before RA* | ||||
| − | 30 | 148 (0–392) | 6.5 (0–34) | 1.0 (0–2.63) |
| + | 82 | 117 (0–428) | 3.0 (0–55) | 0.87 (0–3) |
| OC use during RA* | ||||
| − | 58 | 146 (0–392) | 5 (0–48) | 1.0 (0–2.88) |
| + | 54 | 78 (0–428) | 3 (0–55) | 0.75 (0–3) |
| Pregnant before RA* | ||||
| − | 33 | 145 (0–413) | 3 (0–48) | 1.0 (0–2.88) |
| + | 79 | 123 (0–428) | 3 (0–55) | 0.62 (0–3) |
| Pregnant during RA* | ||||
| − | 88 | 145 (0–428) | 3 (0–55) | 1.0 (0–3) |
| + | 24 | 56 (0–395) | 3 (0–31) | 0.87 (0–2.25) |