The relation between synovitis of individual finger joints and grip force over the first 5 years in early rheumatoid arthritis — a cohort study
Authors' conclusion
MCP I synovitis is the major contributor to reduced grip force in patients with early RA.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (symptom duration < 12 months)
- Participants
- 215 patients
- Exposure
- Synovitis/tenderness of individual finger joints vs grip force
- Outcome
- Grip force (Grippit), average per hand as % of expected values (age- and sex-specific reference values)
- Follow-up
- Inclusion, 1 and 5 years
Methodological detailssingle examiner, linear regression, generalized estimating equations, adjusted for wrist involvement, ESR and patient-reported pain
- Single examiner
- Linear regression
- Generalized estimating equations
- Adjusted for wrist involvement, ESR and patient-reported pain
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Association of finger joint synovitis/tenderness with grip force
Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) I synovitis associated with reduced grip force at inclusion, adjusted ß (percentage unit of expected grip force, both hands combined; 95% CI - 13.6 to - 4.8)
- 9.2
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Grip force, % of expected
- At diagnosis
- 39%
- After 5 years
- 56%
Prevalence of synovitis at baseline
- MCP I, right hand
- 60%
- MCP I, left hand
- 69%
- MCP IV
- 12%
Original publication
The relation between synovitis of individual finger joints and grip force over the first 5 years in early rheumatoid arthritis — a cohort study. Arthritis Res Ther. Published 30 November 2023. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →