Life quality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biotherapy

Abstract

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes joint damage and loss of function, thus impairing quality of life. Administration of biological drugs can change the course of the disease and improve life quality and functional capacity of patients. The objective of the study is to examine the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biological therapy. Material and Methods. The prospective cross-sectional study followed 56 patients of both sexes treated with biological drugs at the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Novi Sad. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire for monitoring the quality of life (Health Assessment Questionnaire-disability index) and a general questionnaire, containing socio-demographic data, disease and therapy data. Computer program Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24 was used for data processing. Results. The results of the assessment of the life quality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing biological therapy showed that the values of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-disability index range from Min=0.00 to Max=2.25, with the mean M=0.76. Observed by category, 39.3% of participants are in remission, while the rest (60.7%) have low disease activity. The Health Assessment Questionnaire-disability index has a statistically significant correlation with the place of residence (p<0.05), as well as with the duration of morning stiffness (p<0.01). The Health Assessment Questionnaire-disability index has no statistically significant correlation with other general data, disease and therapy data. Conclusion. Applica?tion of biotherapy on patients with rheumatoid arthritis leads to low disease activity and remission, which results in good quality of life.