Comparison between DAS28-ESR and DAS28- CRPus for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: application in a population of southern Brazil

The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) shows discrepancies when using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) scores to assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed verify the agreement between DAS28-CRP DAS28-ESR in patients with RA from south of Brazil. A unicentric cross-sectional was performed (n = 56). diagnosis followed American College Rheumatology/ European League Against Rheumatism criteria, their DAS28 were calculated. DAS28- ESR score higher than (DAS28-ESR mean 4.8±1.6; 4.3±1.4) for 83.9% patients. showed a very strong correlation (Pearson’s coefficient 0.922; P<0.0001, 95% CI +0.87 +0.95, statistical power 100%). Spearman’s (0.49; P=0.0001, +0.25 +0.67, 47.54%) moderate unique components formulas. There tests only 36 (64.29%). Among discordant categories, overestimated classification 16 (28.5%). Kappa categories 0.465 (SE 0.084, +0.301 +0.630), showing degree instruments. Although highly correlated, they differed significantly terms patient categorization should not be used interchangeably.