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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2000
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatism-arthritis Care & Research
• Print ISSN: 2151-464X
• Electronic ISSN: 2151-4658
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43