Hand impairment and function in early rheumatoid arthritis

Hammond, A; Kidao, R; Young, A

Abstract

Hand function deteriorates as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses ;(50% develop hand impairment
within 1 year (Eberhardt et al, 1990). Hand function and dexterity deteriorate in those 6+ years since diagnosis (Dellhag et al.1999, Lankveld et al 1998). This study aims to provide further information on how hand function and impairment changes in early RA.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 236 women, recruited from 10 rheumatology units in the UK. Average age was 54.56 years (SD 13.35). Disease duration varied from 1-30 months People were assessed using hand pain on activity VAS (HVAS), tender and swollen hand joint counts counts (THJC/SHJC). dominant hand power and pinch grip (kgs), dominant hand 9 hole peg test (9Peg), Jebsen Test (JHFT- excluding the writing sub-test), range of movement and deformity.
Participants were divided into 5 disease durance groups and scores compared using ANOVA. 61% were taking NSAIDs and 82% DMARDs. Compared to norm scores, participants had 40% of power and pinch grip, took 24% longer on the dexterity (9Peg) and 42% longer on the hand function test (JHFT). These changes occurred in the first 6 months since diagnosis and continued in those with longer duration, but were not significantly worse. This early deterioration suggests strategies to maintain hand function should be started early.

Citation

Hammond, A., Kidao, R., & Young, A. (2000). Hand impairment and function in early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care and Research, 43,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2000
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatism-arthritis Care & Research
• Print ISSN: 2151-464X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43