Is screening for hepatitis B and hepatitis C useful in patients with recent-onset polyarthritis?
The prevalence of HBV and HCV in a population of patients with recent-onset polyarthritis suggestive of RA was not greater than expected based on data from the general population in the same geographic area. Routine HBV and HCV serological testing did not contribute substantially to the diagnosis of recent-onset polyarthritis. Although advisable before initiating immunosuppressive or hepatotoxic drugs, serological testing for HCV and HBV is unnecessary in routine diagnostic evaluation of recent-onset polyarthritis.
The results suggest that both the MSPQ and PDI are useful to screen for pain malingering in forensic evaluations, especially the MSPQ, which performed the best in differentiating between the groups.