We assessed potential predictors of sustained remission for 2 years according to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28)-CRP in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We obtained data for 290 RA outpatients, from July 2009 to September 2012. Sociodemographic data and answers to questionnaires were collected in face-to-face interviews. Remission was defined according to DAS28-CRP. Sustained remission was defined as meeting criteria for remission in the annual assessment for two consecutive years. Predictive factors of sustained remission according to DAS28-CRP were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Of the 290 RA patients, the baseline remission level, according to DAS28-CRP, was 54.5%. During 2 years of follow-up, the sustained remission rate was 24.5%. RA patients who achieved sustained remission, according to DAS28-CRP, were younger, and had a shorter duration of symptoms, longer period of education, higher monthly income, lower Health Assessment Questionnaire (
HAQ) score, lower physician global assessment, lower patient global assessment, lower patient
pain assessment, and higher EQ-5D at baseline. Multivariate analyses showed that the baseline
HAQ score was independently associated with sustained remission for 2 years according to DAS28-CRP (OR 0.298, 95% CI 0.115-0.770; p = 0.012). A lower
HAQ score at baseline was an independent predictor of sustained remission at 2 years, according to DAS28-CRP. Thus,
HAQ scores could be useful when stratifying patients according to risk for flare-ups in the clinic.