Fulfilment of each RA definition by the sample, compared to Thomas et al6 in GPRD
| Thomas et al6 N=31 830 | Current sample N=4161 | |
|---|---|---|
| Database | GPRD | CPRD |
| Time frame | 1987–2002 | 2007–2012 |
| Age of sample | ≥16 years | ≥18 years |
| Criterion 1: appropriate DMARD prescription | 15 746 (49) | 3273 (78.7) |
| Criterion 2: all 3 of the following | – | 2918 (70.1) |
| >1 RA code during follow-up | 16 300 (51) | 3230 (81.5) |
| No alternative diagnostic code after last RA code | 27 184 (85) | 4109 (98.8) |
| ≥1 RA code in group 1 or 2 | 27 738 (87) | 3535 (89.2) |
| Full diagnostic algorithm (criterion 1 and/or criterion 2) | 19 492 (61) | 3577 (86.0) |
–, Data not available.
CPRD, Clinical Practice Research Datalink; DMARD, disease modifying antirheumatic drug; GPRD, General Practice Research Database; RA, rheumatoid arthritis.