Prevelance of erosions in metacarpophalamgeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis pateints

Bone erosion is a central pathophysiological process and an important outcome parameter in rheuamtoid arthritis [RA]. To assess prevelance of erosions in metacarpophalangeal joints [MCPJs] and proximal interphalangeal joints [PIPJs] in RA using ultrasonography and to evaluate the associates present.Ninety two patients with RA diagnosed according to the 1987American college of rheumatology [ACR] classification criteria for RA were compared with 158 healthy individuals matched for age and sex.Disease activity score 28 joints [DAS28], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protien [CRP] and rheumatoid factor [RF] were measured. Ultrasonography was performed using seimns elegra with 7.5HZ linear arrat transucer by radiologist for MCPJs and PIPJs.Erosions in RA were significantly more than those of controls [44[47.8%] versus 0[0%] [p=0.000].Erosions in MCPJs were more than PIPJs and both MCPJs and PIPJs [33[75%] versus 4[9.1%] versus 7[15.9%] respectively] [p=0.005]. Hish ESR, positive CRP and positive RF were significant associates with the erosions [p=0.008, p=0.000, p=0.002 respectively].Prevelance of erosions in MCPJs and PIPJs of RA patients was high [47.8%].High ESR, positive CRP and positive RF were significant associates with eorsions