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The following is a summary of “Poor Prognostic Factors and Unmet Needs in Rheumatoid Arthritis,” published in the January 2025 issue of Rheumatology by Smolen.
Prognostic factors in rheumatoid arthritis predict joint damage, loss of function, and therapy response. High disease activity, especially swollen joint counts and acute phase reactants, is linked to joint damage progression.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine prognostic factors in rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on joint damage, loss of function, and therapy response. High disease activity, particularly in patients with rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive, is associated with increased joint damage and destruction.
They investigated molecular markers in newer studies, but these markers did not outperform established ones or lacked sufficient validation.
The results showed that high C-reactive protein levels predict a good response to IL-6 blockade but not to other therapies. High RF levels are associated with better responses to Fc-free monoclonal antibodies.
Investigators concluded that improved molecular markers for predicting drug responses could be developed with advancements in techniques and a better understanding of Rheumatoid Arthritis pathogenesis.
Source: academic.oup.com/rheumatology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/rheumatology/keae701/7951893
