Who Is Most Likely to Experience Adverse Noninflammatory Symptoms During RA Remission?

Adverse noninflammatory effects during remission from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more common among older adults and those diagnosed with RA at an older age, according to results of a new study.

The findings stem from a review of medical records of 103 patients with RA in remission for at least 6 months. 

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The researchers recorded the patients’ clinical features and demographic characteristics, including laboratory parameters, current number of sensitive and swollen joints, pain level and Patient Global Assessment results, previously used medications, and modified Health Assessment Questionnaire results.

Among all of the patients, 56 reported having had adverse noninflammatory symptoms and 47 did not. 

According to the analysis, the most commonly reported adverse noninflammatory symptoms were low back pain (23.2%), degenerative knee pain (19.6%), and widespread body pain due to fibromyalgia (12.5%).

Compared with patients without adverse noninflammatory effects, mean patient age and mean age at diagnosis were higher among those without such effects. Elderly patients with disease onset at an older age were those most likely to experience such symptoms.

“Therefore, while evaluating and treating this patient population, noninflammatory complaints and disease-specific parameters should be considered carefully in order to fully improve the clinical outcomes,” the researchers concluded.

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference:

Karatas G, Umay E, Gurcay E. The relationship between demographic characteristics and noninflammatory complaints in rheumatoid arthritis patients on remission. J Clin Rheumatol. 2020;26(6):255-259. doi:10.1097/RHU.0000000000001068