Rheumatoid Arthritis Defined by Having Three Erosive Joints

An 18-member international task force from the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism has decided unanimously to redefine what classifies rheumatoid arthritis, according to MDConsult. In 2010, a classification based on signs and symptoms was released but it made no provision for radiographic (x-ray) evidence of joint erosions. Now, the task force has concluded that patients with at least three erosive joints in their hands or feet have rheumatoid arthritis regardless of how their symptoms shake out according to the 2010 classification criteria.

While there will still not be many patients who are classified as having rheumatoid arthritis based only on erosive joints, a clear definition of rheumatoid arthritis was needed, according to experts. Few people with rheumatoid arthritis only have erosions. The 2010 classification based on symptoms identifies 90% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

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