Exploring the interconnections of DAS28 clinical score, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP levels, and US10 hand and wrist ultrasound scores in early rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune synovial condition with a fairly high prevalence. One of the diagnostic criteria for RA involves radiological parameters; however, no consensus has been reached for ultrasound (US) criteria. This study aims to examine the relationship between the DAS28 clinical score, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-CCP levels with the US10 scoring in early RA. Objective This study aims to determine the association between DAS28 clinical score, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP levels and ultrasonography score using US10 manus and wrist scores in early rheumatoid arthritis. Methods 60 patients with early RA underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations to assess DAS28 scores, RF levels, and anti-CCP levels. US examinations of the hands were conducted by two blinded radiologists using the US10 scoring guidelines, which assess inflammation and joint damage parameters. Analyses with a p -value < 0.05 were considered significant. Result The US10 examination demonstrated good reliability. The US10 score was significantly associated with the DAS28 score ( p = 0.009; r = 0.335) but not with anti-CCP levels ( p = 0.110). The inflammation parameters of the US10 score were significantly correlated with RF and anti-CCP levels ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The US10 scoring system plays a role in detecting and evaluating inflammatory conditions and joint damage in patients with early RA, as indicated by its correlation with clinical and laboratory findings.