Glossary

A combined index that measures disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has been extensively validated for its use in clinical trials in combination with the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. Its easy use also makes it possible to collect valuable information about the disease activity of the patient in daily clinical practice. Evaluation of response to a treatment can be made much easier and more objective using the DAS or DAS28. Just assess the number of swollen and tender joints and measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The DAS will provide a number between 0 and 10, indicating how active the RA is at this moment.