Rheumatology A

DAS28 — Disease Activity Score (RA)

Disease Activity Score in 28 joints for monitoring rheumatoid arthritis. Used to guide DMARD escalation and biologic eligibility.

Score interpretation

Remission 0–2.59

DAS28 <2.6: Remission

→ Maintain current DMARD therapy; consider gradual tapering if sustained remission >12 months

Low Disease Activity 2.6–3.19

DAS28 2.6–3.2: Low disease activity

→ Continue current therapy; target remission if possible

Moderate Disease Activity 3.2–5.09

DAS28 3.2–5.1: Moderate disease activity

→ Review and optimise conventional DMARDs; consider adding hydroxychloroquine/sulfasalazine/leflunomide

High Disease Activity 5.1–10

DAS28 >5.1: High disease activity

→ Escalate therapy; assess biologic eligibility (TNF inhibitor, IL-6 inhibitor, JAK inhibitor); refer to rheumatologist urgently

Interpretation bands for the DAS28. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Prevoo ML, et al. Modified disease activity scores that include twenty-eight-joint counts. Arthritis Rheum. 1995;38(1):44-48.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.