Body image in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

We investigated body image in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), correlating it with self-esteem, function, and quality of life. Forty-three RA patients and 39 control individuals from the community between 18 and 70 years of age and paired for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. Patients were assessed for body image [Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination (BDDE)], self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), function [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)] and quality of life [Short Form-36 (SF-36)]. The RA group had a mean age of 51.6 years, BMI 26.01, and disease duration 12.2 years. Most participants were categorized in functional class I. The BDDE score of the RA group (51.8) was significantly higher than in the control group (22.6) (p < 0.001). Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, HAQ and some SF-36 subscales were worse in the RA group than in the control group. These scores had a direct correlation with body image scores (p < 0.001). Individuals with RA had a worse body image than individuals without this condition. Body image was directly correlated with self-esteem, function, and quality of life.     

Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire in rheumatoid arthritis patients: relationship with disease activity, HAQ, SF-36

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that causes disability. Disability and quality of life indexes are used in the assessment and treatment of patients with RA. Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) is a patient-based outcome measurement developed to evaluate the upper extremities. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of DASH in RA patients and the relationship between disease activity and health-related quality of life measurements. One hundred and sixty-six RA patients were included in the study. Disease activity was measured with Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). The DASH questionnaire, Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were completed by all patients. The DASH score moderately correlated with DAS28 (r = 0.672), SDAI (r = 0.586) and CDAI (r = 0.565). When the patients were grouped according to the activity obtained using the three disease activity measurements, DASH score was statistically significantly higher with higher disease activity (P < 0.001). A high correlation (r = 0.883) was found between DASH and HAQ (r = 0.883). The SF-36 scores were correlated with DASH (r = −0.785 with physical component, r = −0.619 with mental component). DASH scores correlate with disease activity indices, functional disability and QoL and can be used in the assessment of upper extremities in patients with RA.     

Assessment of cervical pain and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane, which can lead to deformities and functional disability. Unlike the dorsal and lumbar spine, the cervical spine is often affected by RA. The objective of this paper is to assess cervical pain and function in patients with RA and correlate these variables with overall function, quality of life, and radiographic findings on the cervical spine. One hundred individuals aged 18 to 65 years were divided into study group (50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis) and control group (50 healthy individuals, paired for gender and age). Patients with prior surgery, prior trauma or other symptomatic cervical spine condition were excluded. The visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), SF-36, HAQ and X-rays were used for evaluation purposes. Mean disease duration was 11.1 years. The cervical VAS was 2.4 cm and 1.3 cm for the study and control groups, respectively (p = 0.074). Statistical differences were found in NPDS scores, mean = 26.7 and 6.9, and HAQ scores, mean = 1.1 and 0.1, for the study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). SF-36 scores were statistically worse in the study group, except for the vitality, social aspects and mental health subscales. There was a positive correlation between the NPDS and VAS (r = 0.54) and between the NPDS and HAQ (r = 0.67). There was a negative correlation between the NPDS and SF-36 functional capacity domain (r = −0.53) and physical limitation domain (r = −0.58). The radiographic findings revealed more prevalent anterior atlanto-axial subluxation (p = 0.030), listhesis in neutral posture (p = 0.037), listhesis in extension (p = 0.007), degenerative alteration of C4–C5 segment (p = 0.023), size of C2 spinal canal (p = 0.002) and C3 spinal canal (p = 0.029) in the study group. Patients with RA have poorer cervical function than healthy individuals, although there is no difference in cervical pain.     

Potential of the HAQ score as clinical indicator suggesting comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments: the Swedish TIRA cohort 8 years after diagnosis of RA

This study explores the potential of the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score as a clinical indicator that can be used to suggest comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments, by relating it to more general aspects of disability. In a cohort of 132 patients with early RA (mean age 55, 68% women), 28 joint count Disease Activity Scores (DAS-28), HAQ, and Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores were registered at annual follow-up visits 8 years after diagnosis. The patients were tentatively sub-grouped into a high-HAQ group (HAQ ≥1 at the 8-year follow-up) and a low-HAQ group. The high-HAQ group, comprising 36% of the cohort, had a higher mean HAQ score at inclusion and beyond at all visits compared to the low-HAQ group, and 24% of all individual patients in the high-HAQ group had a HAQ score ≥1 at inclusion. Although the DAS-28 improved in both groups, patients in the high-HAQ group also had significantly more persistent disability according to the SF-36: five scales at each follow-up visit and all eight scales at the majority of the visits. Individual RA patients with HAQ ≥1 probably have considerable persistent disabilities according to the SF-36. The HAQ score could be used as a clinical indicator suggesting comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments of the components of disability and corresponding interventions, in addition to the established use of HAQ at group levels and in parallel with the medication strategy based on DAS-28.     

How does the Short Form 36 Health Questionnaire (SF-36) in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Relate to RA Outcome Measures and SF-36 Population Values? A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of the study was to show that the SF-36 is a practical tool for use on outpatients with RA, to examine the relationship between the SF-36 and indices of outcome in RA, and to compare the results with population norms and other disease states. Eighty-six consecutive RA patients attending the Haywood Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent and starting or changing second-line therapy were enrolled. Disease outcome was assessed using the American College of Rheumatology core set and all subjects completed the SF-36 health questionnaire. The cohort had moderately active disease (median ESR 46) and appreciable disability (median HAQ 1.875). Impairment of health status was moderate to marked by the SF-36, with significant differences from population norms and chronic disease states such as low back pain. Good correlations were observed between HAQ and physical function (r>0.75, p<10^–6) and HAQ and social function (r>0.61, p<10^–6). In contrast, SF-36 scales for physical and emotional role showed no association with activity measures. We concluded that, SF-36 is a practical tool for use in patients with RA. HAQ is associated with its physical and social function scales. Other SF-36 scales, such as physical and emotional role, are not associated with activity core set measures; this suggests different information is involved. RA has a considerable impact on health status compared to other diseases. Received: 28 June 1999 / Accepted: 16 December 1999     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

Health-related quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: group cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise versus usual treatment. A randomised controlled trial with 1 year of follow-up

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) produces physical and neurocognitive disability that significantly affects health-related quality of life (HRQL). Multidisciplinary treatment combining graded exercise therapy (GET) cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and pharmacological treatment has shown only short-term improvements. To compare the effects on HRQL of (1) multidisciplinary treatment combining CBT, GET, and pharmacological treatment, and (2) usual treatment (exercise counselling and pharmacological treatment) at 12 months of follow-up. Prospective, randomized controlled trial with a follow-up of 12 months after the end of treatment. Patients consecutively diagnosed with CFS (Fukuda criteria) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 60) or usual treatment (n = 60) groups. HRQL was assessed at baseline and 12 months by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form questionnaire (SF-36). Secondary outcomes included functional capacity for activities of daily living measured by the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and comorbidities. At baseline, the two groups were similar, except for lower SF-36 emotional role scores in the intervention group. At 12 months, the intervention did not improve HRQL scores, with worse SF-36 physical function and bodily pain scores in the intervention group. Multidisciplinary treatment was not superior to usual treatment at 12 months in terms of HRQL. The possible benefits of GET as part of multidisciplinary treatment for CFS should be assessed on an individual patient basis.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

Determining minimally important changes in generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life questionnaires in clinical trials of rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To define clinically meaningful changes in 2 widely used health-related quality of life (HQL) instruments in studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Patients with RA (n = 693) who were enrolled in 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36) modified health survey and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index at baseline and 6-week followup assessments. Data on 5 RA severity measures were also collected at baseline and at 6 weeks (patient and physician global assessments, joint swelling and tenderness counts, and global pain assessment). Comparison of changes in the SF-36 scales and HAQ scores was made between groups of patients known to differ in the level of change on each RA severity measure. RESULTS: With few exceptions, changes in the SF-36 and HAQ scores were different between patients who differed in the level of change on each RA severity measure. Changes in the SF-36 and HAQ scores were more strongly related to changes in the patient and physician global assessments and patient pain assessment than to changes in the joint swelling and tenderness counts. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, minimally important changes in the SF-36 scales and HAQ disability scores were determined, which will be useful in interpreting HQL results in clinical trials.     

Functional disability and health-related quality of life in South Africans with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

There is a paucity of data on the impact of chronic rheumatic diseases on functional disability and overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Africans. Materials and methods: We compared Black South Africans (BSA) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n=50) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n=50) to geographically and ethnically matched controls cared for at a tertiary care facility. The modified health assessment questionnaire (mHAQ) and Medical Outcome Study short-form 36 (SF-36) scores and indices of disease activity and organ damage were collected from each group. Results: Compared to the controls, both the RA and SLE groups fared significantly worse in respect of all the domains and summary scales of the SF-36. Compared to the SLE group, the RA group scored significantly worse with respect to the mHAQ disability index (mHAQ-DI), physical function and bodily pain (BP) SF-36 subscales, and SF-36 summary physical component score (SF-PCS). In the RA group, both the mHAQ-DI and SF-PCS correlated strongly (p<0.005) with the tender joint count, patient global assessment, 28-joint composite disease activity score, physician global assessment, and pain score. The SF-PCS showed only a weak inverse correlation with the swollen joint count (r=−0.29, p<0.05). In the SLE group, the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index correlated inversely best with the SF-36 general health subscale (r=−0.56, p<0.0001) and, to a lesser extent, with the mental health, BP, and vitality subscales, and SF-PCS and SF-mental component summary scores. Conclusion: Both RA and SLE have profound effects on HRQOL in BSA, with BP and physical disability particularly worse in RA patients. Disease activity, rather than organ damage or sociodemographic characteristics, correlates best with certain aspects of functional disability and HRQOL in both RA and SLE. Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of measures of functional disability and HRQOL in this population.     

Function and health-related quality of life: results from a randomized controlled trial of leflunomide versus methotrexate or placebo in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide Rheumatoid Arthritis Investigators Group.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of leflunomide or methotrexate compared with placebo in improving function and health-related quality of life in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to examine correlations between response status (as defined by the American College of Rheumatology [ACR] response criteria) and improvement in these measures. METHODS: This 52-week, multicenter, doubleblind, controlled trial compared responses to the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ), Problem Elicitation Technique (PET), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36), and questions regarding work productivity among 3 treatment groups (leflunomide, methotrexate, and placebo). Improvement in the PET top 5 and SF-36 scales and component scores were compared with ACR response rates. RESULTS: Clinically meaningful and statistically significant (P<0.0001) improvement in measures of function and heath-related quality of life (MHAQ scores, all scales and disability index of the HAQ, weighted top 5 score of the PET, 5 of 8 scales and physical component score of the SF-36, and work productivity) was seen during treatment with leflunomide in comparison with placebo. Methotrexate administration resulted in significant improvements (P<0.05) in comparison with placebo in the MHAQ scores, HAQ disability index, weighted top 5 score of the PET, physical component score of the SF-36, and bodily pain scale. Compared with methotrexate, leflunomide administration resulted in significantly (P<0.01) more improvement in the MHAQ scores, 5 of 8 scales and disability index of the HAQ, weighted top 5 score of the PET, and 2 of 8 scales and physical component score of the SF-36. Improvements in the PET score, SF-36 physical component score, and work productivity correlated with the ACR responder rates of > or =20% and > or =50% improvement. CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in function and health-related quality of life occurred in patients with RA during treatment with leflunomide or methotrexate. These findings were clinically meaningful and correlated with the ACR response status.