: To examine the course of RA over 5 yr and identify predictors of psychological, physical and radiographic outcome.
Out of 238 patients with rheumatoid arthritis of no more than 4 (mean 2.2) yr duration, 182 (76%) completed a clinical examination with follow-up at 1, 2, and 5 yr. The course of the disease was assessed by measures of psychological and physical health status, disease process and radiographic damage.
: Over 5 yr we observed at a group level a stable disease course for measures of disease process, psychological and physical health status. Radiographic damage progressed. Health status and radiographic damage after 5 yr were predicted by the baseline measures for the respective outcome. Physical function was also predicted by age and by psychological status when the physical dimension of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales was chosen as outcome variable. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and presence of rheumatoid factor predicted radiographic progression.
: The 5 yr course of RA was characterized by preserved health status measures and clinically preserved disease process measures, whereas joint damage progressed steadily. Outcomes after 5 yr can be predicted partly by certain measures at baseline.