Conclusions
In the present study, we analyzed the impact of two particular aspects of the persistence construct—timing and duration—on RA outcomes. Persistence duration during the first 4 years of follow-up was a predictor of disease activity and disability in the following year, whereas the timing of non-persistence (earlier vs. late) was irrelevant. We also confirmed in our population additional predictors of favorable outcomes, such as younger age, male sex and lower disease activity at diagnosis.