Single-joint assessment for the evaluation of intraarticular treatment: Responsiveness and discrimination of the composite change index

Abstract

Objective. To investigate responsiveness, discrimination, and construct validity of a composite change index (CCI) for the assessment of single-joint involvement in inflammatory arthritis. Methods. Evaluation of standardized response means (SRM), Guyatt effect size, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient in a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of an intraarticular etanercept injection. Results. The CCI showed a high SRM (1.68) and high Guyatt effect size (2.72). Both visual analog scale of pain and functionality had a moderate Guyatt effect size (2.06, 2.44) and high SRM (0.81, 0.97). Conclusion. This study supports the use of the CCI as a single-joint assessment after single-joint intervention.