Mortality predictors among 263 patients with rheumatoid arthritis

J Rheumatol. 1991 Sep;18(9):1307-12.

Abstract

A cohort of 263 patients who completed Health Assessment Questionnaires (HAQ) each year from 1981 to 1989 is examined. Forty-three (43) possible covariates measured in 1981 are considered that might help predict mortality over the 8 years of the study. We use univariate correlation coefficients, stepwise regressions, and survival functions to identify a number of covariates that appear useful for predicting survival: age (-), prednisone use (-), disability index (-), male sex (-), never married (-), penicillamine use (+), divorced (+), and no occupation (-). Our results confirm studies suggesting that the HAQ disability index is a useful prognosticator of length of survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / epidemiology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / mortality*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Marriage
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupations
  • Penicillamine / therapeutic use
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Penicillamine
  • Prednisone