CRP and rheumatoid arthritis: Previously, outcome measures of RA reflected joint inflammation (morning stiffness, number of tender joints [tender joint count (TJC)]) and swollen joints [swollen joint count (SJC)], and limitation of joint motion), systemic inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and C-reactive protein [CRP] level6,7), and joint destruction (radiographic evaluation8,9).