Measurement and prediction of radiological progression in early rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective. To compare radiological scoring systems in early RA, and then to determine if the rate of radiological progression in the first year of disease (RRP01) predicts the subsequent rate of progression up to 8 years (RRP1-8). Methods. Hand and feet radiographs were performed at 0, 1, 2 and 8 years in 65 patients presenting with nonerosive RA and symptoms for less than 3 years. All films were scored by Sharp's method; Sharp, Larsen and carpometacarpal (CMC) ratio methods were compared in 23 patients. Results. Significant change in score was detected over the first year using Sharp (median of 15.5 vs 7.5, p<0.00002) and Larsen (30.5 vs 22.5, p<0.0002), but not CMC ratio (1.13 vs 1.14, p=0.07)