Table 1.
Baseline characteristics of the patients (N = 229)a
| Characteristic | |
|---|---|
| Female n (%) | 145 (63.3) |
| Age mean ± SD, years | 57.5 ± 15.0 |
| BMI mean (± SD), kg/m2 | 26.4 ± 4.6 N = 220 |
| Symptom duration median (IQR), weeks | 13.0 (8.0–26.0) N = 228 |
| RF positive n (%) | 140/228 (61.4) |
| Anti-CCP positive n/total (%) | 129/220 (58.6) |
| Fulfilment of revised ACR 1987 criteria n/total (%) | 178/225 (79.0) |
| Erosive disease (EULAR definition) n/total (%) | 36/219 (16.4) |
| Radiographic joint erosion ≥ 1 n (%) | 102 (46.6) |
| DAS28-ESR mean (± SD) | 4.9 ± 1.1 |
| Number of tender joints (28 assessed) median (IQR) | 5 (2–10) |
| Number of swollen joints (28 assessed) median (IQR) | 8 (4–12) |
| ESR median (IQR), mm/h | 28.0 (16.0–42.0) |
| CRP median (IQR), mg/l | 12.0 (5.0–29.3) |
| Patient’s assessment general health 0–100 VAS median (IQR) | 50 (30.0–66.5) |
| HAQ median (IQR) | 1.1 (0.6–1.5) N = 191 |
| SF-36 PCS median (IQR) | 35.3 (30.0–41.3) N = 202 |
| SF-36 MCS median (IQR) | 47.5 (39.0–56.3) N = 202 |
SD standard deviation, BMI body mass index, IQR interquartile range, RF rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, ACR American College of Rheumatology, EULAR European League Against Rheumatism, DAS28-ESR disease activity score based on 28-joint count calculated using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP C-reactive protein, VAS visual analogue scale, HAQ Health Assessment Questionnaire, SF-36 Short-Form 36 Health Survey, PCS physical component summary, MCS mental component summary
aValues concern the total sample, except indicated otherwise