Type I collagen degradation does not diminish with RA disease duration

Objective-To assess the relation between type I collagen degradation and th e duration of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods-The serum concentrations of cross linked carboxyterminal telopeptid e of type I collagen (ICTP) measured earlier in a community based series (9 0 patients) and a hospital based series (59 patients) were re-evaluated wit h reference to the duration of RA. Results-The serum ICTP showed a positive correlation with the duration of t he disease in the hospital based series (r(s)=0.40, p<0.01) but not in the community based one (r(s)=0.18, p=0.10). Conclusions-Type I collagen degradation predominantly reflecting pathologic al bone destruction does not seem to diminish in longlasting RA.