Continuously elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 for 3 ~ 6 months predict one-year radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort study

Introduction Core disease activity indicators of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been found to be limited in predicting joint destruction progression. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 plays an essential role in joint destruction and was found elevated in some remission patients. We aimed to monitor dynamic core disease activity indicators and serum MMP-3 for one year and evaluate their value for predicting radiographic progression.