Joint pain patterns*Description of the pattern (see also table 1)ACPA+RF+SeronegativeFDR
Pattern AIncreased rapidly and then remained constant6101611
Pattern BGradually increased to their current level over time1517216
Pattern CCome and gone increasing and decreasing though always with some symptoms30333422
Pattern DCome and gone with periods without symptoms in between32191628
Pattern EOwn interpretation17211333
  • Data expressed as percentages. Note that the ACPA-positive group also includes RF-positive individuals, and all RF positive individuals are ACPA-negative.

  • *Missing data in 14 individuals.

  • ACPA, anticitrullinated protein antibodies; FDR, first degree relatives; RF, rheumatoid factor; SPARRA, Symptoms in Persons At Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis.