Symmetry in inflammatory polyarthritis

G. E. Ehrlich

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

SIR, Bukhari et al. [1] confirm the symmetricality of lesions in the small joints of the hands and feet of subjects who have inflammatory polyarthritis, regardless of positivity of rheumatoid factor. Our study of inflammatory erosive osteoarthritis confirmed similar symmetricality [2], but particularly so in the 15% who later went on to superimpose rheumatoid arthritis on their osteoarthritis [3]. Rheumatoid factor positivity clearly is not the deciding factor, although it accompanies increased numbers of erosions [4]. It is comforting to find confirmation of our report 30 yr later.

Notes

Correspondence to: 241 South Sixth Street #1101, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3731, USA. E-mail: g2e{at}mindspring.com Back

References

  1. Bukhari M, Lunt M, Harrison BJ et al. Erosions in inflammatory polyarthritis are symmetrical regardless of rheumatoid factor status: results from a primary care-based inception cohort of patients. Rheumatology 2002;41:246–52.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  2. Ehrlich GE. Inflammatory osteoarthritis. I. The clinical syndrome. J Chronic Dis 1972;25:317–31.[ISI][Medline]
  3. Ehrlich GE. Inflammatory osteoarthritis. II. Superimposition of rheumatoid arthritis. J Chronic Dis 1972;25:635–43.[ISI][Medline]
  4. Ehrlich GE. Osteoarthritis beginning with inflammation: Definitions and correlations. J Am Med Assoc 1975;232:1361–3.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline]
Accepted 28 June 2002





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