Development of a disease activity index for the assessment of reactive arthritis (DAREA)

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to investigate and validate i ndividual variables and to develop a composite score for disease activity m easurement in patients with reactive arthritis (REA). Methods. In the first cross-sectional part, the clinical and laboratory eva luation of 45 patients was used to elaborate the most important individual disease activity measures. In the second prospective part, these variables as well as a composite score for disease activity measurement of REA were p rospectively validated in 23 patients at two points in time. Results. The following variables emerged as the most useful for the composi te measure: number of swollen and tender joints, patient's pain and global assessment, and C-reactive protein. The score was calculated by simple addi tion of the individual figures. Conclusion. DAREA constitutes a reliable score which can easily be assessed on a day-today office work basis.