Table 4 Results after 3 years’ follow-up of multivariate linear regression analyses with Sharp–van der Heijde score as dependent variable in the replication cohort
BSEp Value
All patients with RA
BMI−0.940.290.001
Baseline erosions9.92.3<0.001
Anti-CCP antibodies9.22.3<0.001
Anti-CCP+ patients
BMI−1.33.40.001
Baseline erosions11.03.90.001
Anti-CCP− patients with RA
Baseline erosions8.32.2<0.001

  • The variables presented are significant independent predictors of joint damage during 3 years’ follow-up.

  • The Sharp–van der Heijde score at 3-year follow-up was entered as dependent variable and age, gender, C reactive protein, number of swollen joints, presence of baseline erosions, anti-CCP antibodies (in the analysis performed on all patients with RA) and BMI were entered as possible explanatory variables.

  • Anti-CCP, anti-cyclic citrullinated protein; B, regression coefficient; BMI, body mass index; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; SE, standard error.