Rheumatology

Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity monitoring using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) is the cornerstone of the treat-to-target strategy endorsed by EULAR and ACR. DAS28 incorporates tender and swollen joint counts, ESR or CRP, and patient global assessment, classifying disease activity as remission (<2.6), low (2.6-3.2), moderate (3.2-5.1), or high (>5.1).

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity is measured using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index, which assess disease activity across organ systems including renal, neurologic, hematologic, and mucocutaneous domains. These scores guide immunosuppressive therapy escalation and tapering decisions.

Diagnostic and classification criteria for autoimmune diseases including the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria for RA, the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria for SLE, the CASPAR criteria for psoriatic arthritis, and the ASAS criteria for axial spondyloarthritis ensure consistent patient phenotyping for clinical trials and standardized clinical care.