In a nutshell
This study explored the influence of other diseases on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The study concluded that cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) diseases were strongly related to disease activity.
Some background
RA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. RA disease activity is measured through the severity of these symptoms. Decreasing or stopping disease activity is the current goal of treatment for RA patients.
There is a known relationship between other diseases and RA disease activity. For example, cardiovascular disease in RA patients is known to increase disease activity. The association between other diseases and disease activity is unclear.
Methods & findings
This study evaluated whether the presence of other diseases influenced RA activity.
3,920 patients (81.65% female) were included in this study. All patients answered a questionnaire on whether they also been diagnosed with other diseases or disorders. These included diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic lung disease, depression, and obesity. Disease activity was also measured for each patient.
Patients with diabetes had more swollen and tender joints and fatigue compared to patients without diabetes. Patients with high cholesterol had fewer swollen and tender joints and decreased inflammation (an immune system response that leads to pain and swelling). Patients with heart disease and obese patients had more tender joints, inflammation, and fatigue. Patients with chronic lung disease and depression also reported increased fatigue.
Disease activity was increased in patients with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity and decreased in patients with high cholesterol.
The bottom line
The study concluded that cardiovascular diseases in particular may be related to disease activity in RA. The authors suggested that this should be considered in assessing and managing RA.
The fine print
This study did not determine whether other diseases were the cause of changes in disease activity, only that they may be related.
What’s next?
If you have RA and an additional disease, you should discuss the results of this study with your doctor.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jan 12, 2016
Tags: Library Item, Research
