Neuropathic Pain and Related Factors in Female Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Purpose : Neuropathic pain (Np) can accompany Rheumatoid arthiritis (Ra)like many other diseases. Aim of our study was to investigate the frequency of Np and related factors in female patients with Ra. Methods : Age, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were recorded. A pain visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record pain intensity and paindetect questionnaire (Pd) was used to record Np score. Ra disease activity was calculated with DAS28 score. Health Assesment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used for functional status. Results : Np scores of the patients were high. A significant correlation was found between Pd and VAS, BMI and HAQ values. The correlation value between Pd and disease duration, age, inflammation, disease activity was not significant Conclusion : All of the patients' pain may not be caused by inflammation. If this is the case, treatment can change. If the pain pattern is questioned and treated, unnecessary use of anti-inflammatory drugs can be prevented.