Morning stiffness
		Morning stiffness in and around the joints, lasting at least 1 hour before maximal improvement. Symptoms present for a minimum of 6 weeks. (1 point)
Arthritis of 3 or more joint areas
		At least 3 joint areas simultaneously have had soft tissue swelling or fluid (not bony overgrowth alone) observed by aphysician; the 14 possible joint areas are right or left proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, metacarpophalangeal (MCP)joints, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal (MPT) joints. Findings present for a minimum of 6 weeks. (1 point)
Arthritis of hand joints
		At least one area swollen (as defined above) in a wrist, MCP or PIP joint. Findings present for a minimum of 6 weeks. (1 point)
Symmetric arthritis
		Simultaneous involvement of the same joint areas (see 2 above) on both sides of the body (bilateral involvement of PIPs, MCPs, or MTPs is acceptable without absolute symmetry). Findings present for a minimum of 6 weeks. (1 point)
Rheumatoid nodules
		Subcutaneous nodules, over bony prominences, or extensor surfaces, or in juxta-articular regions, observed by a physician. (1 point)
Serum rheumatoid factor
		Demonstration of abnormal amounts of serum rheumatoid factor by any method for which the result has been positive in < 5% of normal control subjects. (1 point)
Radiographic changes
		Radiographic changes typical of RA on posteroanterior hand and wrist radiographs, which must include erosions or unequivocal bony decalcification localized to or most marked adjacent to the involved joints (osteoarthritis changes alone do not qualify). (1 point)

Total Criteria Point Count: