OBJECTIVE: Optimizing therapeutic strategies to induce remission requires an understanding of the initial features predicting remission. Currently no suitable model exists. We aim to develop a remission score using predictors of remission in early @entity309 ( @entity309 ). METHODS: We used a dataset from a UK randomized controlled trial that evaluated intensive treatment with conventional combination therapy, to develop a predictive model for 24-month remission. We studied 378 @entity1 in the trial who received 24 months' treatment. Our model was validated using data from a UK observational cohort (Early @entity309 Network, ERAN). A group of 194 @entity1 was followed for 24 months. Remission was defined as 28-joint Disease Activity Score < 2.6. @entity2357 models were used to estimate the associations between remission and potential baseline predictors. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed age, sex, and tender joint count (TJC) were independently associated with 24-month remission. The multivariate remission score developed using the trial data correctly classified 80% of @entity1 . These findings were replicated using ERAN. The remission score has high specificity (98%) but low sensitivity (13%). Combining data from the trial and ERAN, we also developed a simplified remission score that showed that younger @entity1 with a TJC of 5 or lower were most likely to achieve 24-month remission. Remission was least likely in older @entity1 with high TJC. Rheumatoid factor, @entity14931 , and radiographic damage did not predict remission. CONCLUSION: Remission can be predicted using a score based on age, sex, and TJC. The score is relevant in clinical trial and routine practice settings.

Remission in early XXXX : predicting treatment response.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'patients', 'men'] @entity14931 :: ('MESH:D012218', 'Disease') :: ['rheumatoid nodules'] @entity309 :: ('MESH:D001172', 'Disease') :: ['rheumatoid arthritis', 'RA'] @entity2357 :: ('MESH:C537770', 'Disease') :: ['Logistic regression']
@entity309 :: (MESH:D001172,Disease) :: ['rheumatoid arthritis']
