Methods for predicting the likelihood of development of rheumatoid
arthritis for individuals that present with recent-onset undifferentiated
arthritis. The methods are based on the determination of a set of
clinical parameter values and determining a predicted risk for developing
rheumatoid arthritis by correlating the parameter values with predefined
risk values associated with ranges of parameter values. Parameters values
that are decisive for the risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis may
include serum levels of C-reactive protein, Rheumatoid factors, anti-CCP
antibodies, as well as age, gender, localization of the joint complaints,
length of morning stiffness, and number of tender and/or swollen joints.
The method may be performed by a computer. The invention further relates
to a computer, a sample analyser and a computer program product for
performing the method and a data carrier with the computer program
product.