Interpretation
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ≤ 2.8 | Remission |
| > 2.8–10 | Low |
| > 10–22 | Moderate |
| > 22 | High |
Formula
CDAI = TJC28 + SJC28 + patient global assessment (0–10) + evaluator global assessment (0–10)
Clinical pearls
- Not to be confused with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (also "CDAI").
- Because it needs no ESR or CRP, the CDAI can guide treat-to-target decisions at the visit.
- Global assessments are disease activity ratings on a 0–10 scale (10 cm VAS).
Examples
cdai ra tjc 4 sjc 4 patient global 5 physician global 4clinical disease activity index: 10 tender joints, no swollen joints, both globals 0
FAQ
What CDAI score is remission in RA?
A CDAI of 2.8 or less is remission; above 2.8 to 10 is low, above 10 to 22 moderate and above 22 high disease activity.
What is the difference between CDAI and SDAI?
The SDAI adds CRP (in mg/dL) to the same four clinical components; the CDAI omits it so it can be calculated without a blood test.
Evidence
- Aletaha D et al. Acute phase reactants add little to composite disease activity indices for rheumatoid arthritis: validation of a clinical activity score. Arthritis Res Ther 2005;7:R796–806.
- Aletaha D, Smolen J. The SDAI and the CDAI: a review of their usefulness and validity in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005;23(5 Suppl 39):S100–8.