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Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

From: Photodynamic therapy for synovial hyperplasia in patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, blank-controlled prospective trial

Inclusion criteria

1. Male or female patients aged between 18 and 70 years

2. Patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for RRA

3. Patients with swelling of at least one knee for 1 month

4. Patients with synovial hyperplasia confirmed by ultrasound or MRI: UCSS ≥ 2 points and/or single-site MR scores ≥2 points

5. Patients who are capable of signing informed consent and completing the trial as required

6. Patients who have good compliance and will complete follow-up

Exclusion criteria

1. Patients with severe primary diseases, such as disorders of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, brain, or hematopoietic system

2. Patients with infections or coagulation abnormalities

3. Breastfeeding or pregnant women

4. Patients who are allergic to anesthetics or PSs

5. Patients who have undergone intra-articular drugs injection within the past month

6. Patients with arthritic knee joints that show osteotropic ankylosis on X-ray examination