Sensitivity of Echography in Arthritis (SEA)

• joint score evaluated by clinical examination [ Time Frame: baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after baseline ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• joint score evaluated by ultra-sonography [ Time Frame: baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after baseline ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• DAS28 Synovial index [ Time Frame: baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after baseline ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• ACR Synovial index (66 sites) [ Time Frame: baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after baseline ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

Device: ultra-sonography

o The ultrasonographic evaluation was performed on 38 joints: the 28 joints included in DAS28 (e.g. shoulderx2, elbowx2, wristx2, metacarpo-phalangeal (MCP)x10, proximal inter phalangeal (PIP)x10, kneex2) and also the metatarso-phalangeal (MTPx10). Systematic multiplanar gray-scale (mode B) and Power Doppler examination was carried out with commercially available real-time scanners using multi-frequency linear transducers (7-12 MHz).

The ultrasonographic evaluation was performed at baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after baseline.

Other Names:
• scanners:
• ESAOTE Technos MPX
• TOSHIBA APLIO
• ESAOTE MyLab
• PHILIPS HD11
• BK Mini Focus.

This is a multicenter, (10 French centers and 1 Belgian center), prospective (4-month patients' follow-up) interventional study in 120 patients with rheumatoid arthritis justifying anti-TNF treatment.

The overall duration of the study will be 8 months composed of a 4-month inclusion period and a 4-month follow-up period for each patient. Moreover, X-ray evaluations of hands and feet will be performed 2 years from the beginning of the study in order to assess the changes in structural damage.

During the patients' participation, 6 visits are planned: an inclusion visit then, a follow-up visit at 1, 2 and 3 months from the inclusion visit, and a final evaluation visit at 4 months from the inclusion visit. At each visit, synovitis will be evaluated using both methods: clinical examination and ultrasonography. For a same patient, clinical evaluation of synovitis will have to be performed - during the entire study - by the same rheumatologist and the ultrasonographic evaluation will have to be performed by the same ultrasonographist (different from the rheumatologist) and always using the same ultrasonograph.

Finally, patients will be performed anterior X-rays of hands and feet two years from the beginning of the study whatever the ongoing RA treatment.