Figure 1.

 Cumulative presentation of opinions individually matched for responders to at least one of the follow up questionnaires between 1997 and 2003. The following questions were asked and allowed just one answer (total number of matched responders: n = 56/44/46 for the years 1997/2000/2003): (A) What extent of arthritis do you at least require for a definition of early RA? (valid answers: n = 51/44/46). (B) What maximum duration of symptoms do you still regard as early RA? (valid answers: n = 55/44/46). (C) How long on average from onset of symptoms does it take until patients with arthritis are referred to you? (valid answers: n = 56/44/46).