Clinical scoring of disease activity in animal models

Abstract

Disease severity in murine arthritis models, such as collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), is commonly assessed by clinical scoring of paw swelling and histological examination of joints. Clinical scoring using a qualitative scoring system of paw inflammation (paw thickness, width, or volume) over time is the standard method used for subjective quantification of arthritis activity. To evaluate paw swelling status, a quantitative method using three-dimensional T2-weighted flash sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is introduced. The efficacy of a therapeutic approach can be semiologically quantified using a clinical scoring system and an index of paw inflammation in CIA mice.