Exaggerated circulating Th-1 cytokine response in early rheumatoid arthritis patients with nodules

► Patients with RN had more severe disease with higher mean SDAI and modified Larsen scores. ► RN patients had higher IL-12 and IL-2 levels, and a trend towards higher levels of IL-7 and IFN-γ. ► High levels of pro-angiogenic factors VEGF and IL-8 were seen amongst RN patients.