A graphic demonstration that the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is overly sensitive when erythrocyte sedimentation rates are low: Comment on the article by Smolen and Aletaha.

摘要

In the January 2011 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, Smolen et al (1) reported the problem with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (2) using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) in patients treated with tocilizumab. The authors stated that the DAS28-ESR was too sensitive to changes in the ESR, even within its normal range. This is somewhat imprecise. Here, we provide graphic evidence that the DAS28-ESR is overly sensitive to subtle changes in the ESR, particularly in its lower-normal range.