Clinical Value of MDHAQ for Disease Activity Assessment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of the mutidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ) for disease activity assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods A total of 100 RA patients were recruited in this study and completed the MDHAQ. Clinical data and involved joint function assessment were also collected. Routine assessment of patient index data 3 （RAPID3）was calculated using the MDHAQ. The correlations between RAPID3 and disease activity score 28 (DAS28), simplified disease activity index (CDAI), simplified disease activity index （SDAI） and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results RAPID3 was correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), swollen joints count, tender joints count and overall physician rating (\P\P\P<0.001）, respectively. Conclusion MDHAQ is a reliable instrument for disease activity assessment in patients with RA. It is easy to administer in busy clinical settings.