🦴 CDAI Clinical Disease Activity Index (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
The Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) measures rheumatoid arthritis disease activity without any laboratory value, summing joint counts and global assessments.
CDAI Clinical Disease Activity Index (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Tender joint count (28 joints) (joints)
Swollen joint count (28 joints) (joints)
Patient global assessment (0–10) (cm)
Physician global assessment (0–10) (cm)
When to use
Enter tender and swollen 28-joint counts plus patient and physician global assessments (0–10); the tool returns the 0–76 score and activity band.
How it works
CDAI = tender joint count (0–28) + swollen joint count (0–28) + patient global (0–10) + physician global (0–10). ≤2.8 remission, ≤10 low, ≤22 moderate, >22 high activity.
Key points
- Because it contains no acute-phase reactant, CDAI can be computed instantly at the bedside and is unaffected by infection or other causes of a raised CRP/ESR (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim).
- Treat-to-target strategies commonly aim for CDAI low activity or remission, reassessed at defined intervals until target is reached.
- Both global assessments use a 0–10 scale here; CDAI tracks closely with the CRP-containing SDAI in routine practice.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.