Why this study matters

A polygenic risk score was developed to identify patients at risk for severe radiographic progression  of RA.  The polygenic risk score can be used to tailor screening and treatment for low- and high-risk RA patients.

Study design

Polygenic risk scores were developed based on 43,784 single-nucleotide polymorphisms known to be associated with susceptibility to RA from GWASs.  Polygenic risk score quintiles were established.  The polygenic risk score was then used to predict the Sharp/van der Heijde score of radiographic progression in RA patients during the first 5 years after onset.  

Results and conclusion

RA patients with the top quintile polygenic risk score were at increased risk of severe radiographic progression, and patients who were younger at disease onset and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (APCA)-positivity were at even higher risk.  Furthermore, the polygenic risk score female gender, ACPA-positivity, and body mass index were shown to be independent risk factors for severe radiographic progression of RA.