PGA scoring system to evaluate disease activity based on fever, no. active bone lesions detected by bone scintigraphy, increase of inflammatory markers, and presence of pain and functional impairment. Total score: 0 = inactive, 1 = minimal, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, and 4 = severe.
| Variables | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | |
| Presence of fever, ≥ 38°C | No | Yes |
| Presence of pain and functional impairment | No | Yes |
| Increase of inflammatory markers, CRP > 0.5 mg/dl and ESR > 15 mm/h | No | Yes |
| No. bone lesions detected by TC-99 bone scintigraphy | ≤ 2 | > 2 |
PGA: physician’s global assessment; CRP: C-reactive protein; ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate.