Understanding the DAS28 Score

The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) is a validated measure of rheumatoid arthritis activity. It combines joint examination findings (28 joints), inflammatory marker (ESR), and patient-reported global health into a single score ranging from 0 to 9.4.

Interpretation Guidelines

DAS28 Score	Disease Activity	Clinical Meaning
≤ 2.6	Remission	No significant disease activity
2.7 - 3.2	Low	Mild disease activity
3.3 - 5.1	Moderate	Active disease requiring treatment
> 5.1	High	Very active disease

Calculation Example

A patient with 4 tender joints, 3 swollen joints, ESR of 28 mm/hr, and global health rating of 40 would calculate as:

DAS28 = 0.56×√(4) + 0.28×√(3) + 0.70×ln(28) + 0.014×40 ≈ 3.8 (Moderate Activity)

Frequently Asked Questions

What joints are assessed in the DAS28?

The 28 joints include shoulders, elbows, wrists, MCPs, PIPs, and knees (excluding feet and other joints).

How often should DAS28 be measured?

Typically every 1-3 months during active treatment, or as directed by your rheumatologist.

Can DAS28 be used for treatment decisions?

Yes, it helps guide treatment intensification or reduction based on disease activity targets.

Arthritis Activity Score Calculator

Menu

Arthritis Activity Score

AI Assistant

Was this tool helpful?