Samah Almedany
Egypt
Research Article
Rheumatoid Arthritis Comorbidity Index (RACI): Development and Validation of a New Comorbidity Index for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Author(s): El Miedany Y, El Gaafary M, Youssef S, Samah Almedany, Sami Bahlas and Hegazi MEl Miedany Y, El Gaafary M, Youssef S, Samah Almedany, Sami Bahlas and Hegazi M
Objective: Classify comorbidities with greatest impact on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. Develop and validate a prospectively applicable comorbidity index for classifying RA patients according to their comorbid disorders which might impact alter their hospitalization and mortality risk.
Methods: A weighted index which considers the number and impact of comorbid conditions was developed based on clinical registry of a cohort of 2029 patients with early RA monitored over 10-years. Logistic and Cox Regression analyses were implemented to estimate the risk of mortality. Regression coefficients were used to develop the index score. ROC curve for the invented index was used to evaluate the discriminating ability of the index and identify different cutoff values that can delineate patients at different stages for risk of death. Disease activit.. View More»
