Identifying Resolution of Clinically Suspect Arthralgia: A Step Toward Understanding Spontaneous Reversal of an At-Risk Stage of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors' conclusion
Clinically, reversal of at-risk stage is better defined by rheumatologist-confirmed resolution of CSA, rather than a single patient-reported measure such as pain. CSA resolution was associated with improved subclinical joint inflammation and functional disabilities.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), at-risk stage of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)505 eligible for reversal
- Participants
- 845 patients
- Exposure
- Patient-reported pain resolution vs rheumatologist-defined CSA resolution as definitions of reversal
- Outcome
- Reversal: patient-reported pain resolution (pain score ≤ 20 on NRS 0-100) and rheumatologist-defined resolution of CSA
- Follow-up
- 2 years
Methodological detailsconsecutively included patients, 2-year follow-up
- Consecutively included patients
- 2-year follow-up
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Reversal among patients eligible for reversal
Pain resolution
244/505 patients
48%
Rheumatologist-defined CSA resolution
357 of 505
71%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | β (/year) (95% CI) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Change over time in functional disabilities, in patients with CSA resolution (β per year; negative = less disability, improved)Functional disabilities improved over time | −0.07 (−0.09 to −0.05) | P < 0.001 |
Baseline characteristics, CSA resolution vs no CSA resolution · presentation
- Similar levels of subclinical joint inflammation at presentation
- Less pain, fatigue and morning stiffness with CSA resolution than without
Parts of this Brief are withheld: the automatic checks could not confirm them against the abstract.
Original publication
Identifying Resolution of Clinically Suspect Arthralgia: A Step Toward Understanding Spontaneous Reversal of an At-Risk Stage of Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Rheumatol. Published 1 September 2025. doi:10.
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