Clinical data including tender and swollen joint counts were collected, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measured, and the 28-item disease activity score (DAS28) using ESR scores calculated at the first appointment.
The DAS was calculated using a 44 joint count for swelling (swollen joint count, SJC), a 53 joint count graded for tenderness (tender joint count, TJC), counted in 26 joint units (Ritchie Articular Index, RAI), general health on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 100 mm, and the value for ESR measured by the Westergren method[ 16].
Rheumatoid factor and ESR were measured using standard laboratory techniques.
Laboratory tests used to calculate CRP are faster than those used to measure ESR, and measurements can be standardized in a central laboratory for multicenter clinical trials.
Laboratory tests used to calculate CRP are faster than those used to measure ESR, and measurements can be standardised in a central laboratory for multicentre clinical trials.
The hydroxyl radical (·OH) levels were measured by electron spin resonance (ESR) to measure ROS accumulations in erythrocytes.
ESR was measured according to standard Westergren techniques.
ESR was measured at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Clinical Laboratory, and high-sensitivity CRP was measured at the same laboratory or by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA EMD Milliporere, Billerica MA, USA).
RBC hemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue hemoglobinometer (HemoCue Ltd., Dronfield, United Kingdom), and the ESR was measured using the Sediplast system (Guest Medical, Edenbridge, United Kingdom).
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was measured at screening in accordance with the standard Westergren method.
