Comparable long-term outcomes between DAS28-ESR remission criteria and ACR/EULAR definitions in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective To compare long-term clinical, immunological, and radiographic outcomes between five sets of remission criteria (four clinical and one ultrasound (US)-based) in a cohort of RA patients in a clinical care setting. Methods RA patients in remission (DAS28-ESR p=0.11). Serum levels of ANG (p=0.015) and TNFa (p=0.025) were significantly lower in patients with Boolean remission, whereas IL-18 levels were significantly lower in those with PD remission (p=0.049). Patients without PD in the US assessment had significantly-lower mSHS erosion progression (p=0.014) at 5 years. Conclusions Patients with established RA in DAS28-ESR remission had comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes in SDAI, CDAI, and Boolean definitions in a clinical care setting. US remission remained the closest to structural damage abrogation. Key Points • This study provides real world data on long-term outcomes of five clinical and imaging remission criteria in rheumatoid arthritis. • DAS28-ESR remission criteria had comparable radiographic progression and clinical prognosis than more stringent criteria in clinical practice. • US-based remission was closest to structural damage abolishment.