How Does Ultrasound Global OMERACT-EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS) for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Activity Assessment Perform in Real-Life?

Objective-This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Global OMERACT-EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS) of bilateral second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP 2-5) in evaluating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity in a real-life setting. Methods-This cross-sectional study included consecutive RA patients without hyperalgesia. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. Evaluations were conducted on bilateral MCP 2-5 by two independent experts in musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS). Correlation between clinical and ultrasonographic parameters was analyzed, aiming to define a cutoff value for detecting disease activity. Results-Sixty-nine patients were included. The mean DAS28-ESR was 4.3 (+/- 1.4), and the median GLOESS was 7 (13). The correlation between GLOESS and DAS28 was moderate (r = .62; P < .05). A total GLOESS score of <= 3 and all joints with both GS and PD <= 1 showed good sensitivity and specificity for detecting disease activity (remission/low vs moderate/high, P = 0). Conclusion-In a real-life scenario, GLOESS for MCP 2-5 emerges as a valuable measure of RA activity. The optimal cutoff distinguishing remission/low from moderate/high disease activity was determined to be GLOESS <= 3, with all MCP joints exhibiting both GS and PD scores of <= 1.