Table 3 Effects of influenza virus vaccination on disease activity in all 43 study patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Disease activity measuresBefore vaccinationAfter vaccinationp Value
Tender joints (n)7.1 (10)6.4 (8)0.51
Swollen joints (n)2.5 (3.5)2.5 (3.7)0.89
Morning stiffness (min)25 (56)33 (65)0.17
Day and night pain (VAS)4.3 (2.3)4 (3)0.83
ESR (mm/1st h)35 (20)34 (19)0.96
C-reactive protein (mg/l)13 (14)10 (10)0.024*

  • Values are mean (SD).

  • ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; VAS, visual analogue score.