Table S1: Patients within the selected studies suffered from RA.

Symptoms

Points

Joint distribution

(0-5)

1 large joint

0

2-10 large joints

1

1-3 small joints (large joints not counted)

2

4-10 small joints (large joints not counted)

3

> 10 joints (at least one small joint)

5

Serology

(0-3)

Negative

0

Low positive ACPA (or RF)

2

High positive ACPA (or RF)

3

Symptoms duration

(0-1)

< 6 weeks

0

> 6 weeks

1

Acute phase reactants

(0-1)

Normal CRP and normal VS

0

Abnormal CRP or abnormal VS

1