Prognosis of Inflammatory Joint Diseases: A Three-year Follow-up Study

Abstract

The prognosis 3 yr after the onset of the disease was studied in 107 patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis [RA], 161 with probable RA or nonspecific arthritis, 84 with either ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter''s disease or reactive arthritis, 14 with psoriatic arthritis and 10 with a systemic connective tissue disease. Prognosis was measured by clinical involvement of joints, radiological erosions in joints, deterioration in joint function, ESR [erythrocyte sedimentation rate] and working ability. A total of 44% of all patients were symptomless after 3 yr. The prognosis was best in patients with an HLA B 27-associated disease and nonspecific arthritis, and worst in RA. Two patients died during the follow up of systemic connective tissue disease and one committed suicide with an overdose of hydroxychloroquine. Two HLA B 27-positive patients developed systemic amyloidosis.