Arthritis Research & Therapy (Jan 2019)

Time to minimal disease activity in relation to quality of life, productivity, and radiographic damage 1 year after diagnosis in psoriatic arthritis

  • Kim Wervers,
  • Jolanda J. Luime,
  • Ilja Tchetverikov,
  • Andreas H. Gerards,
  • Marc R. Kok,
  • Cathelijne W. Y. Appels,
  • Wiebo L. van der Graaff,
  • Johannes H. L. M. van Groenendael,
  • Lindy-Anne Korswagen,
  • Josien J. Veris-van Dieren,
  • Johanna M. W. Hazes,
  • Marijn Vis,
  • on behalf of Cicero

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-019-1811-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 21, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract Background In a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who received usual care, we investigated the impact of time elapsed to minimal disease activity (MDA) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, and radiographic damage throughout the first year after diagnosis. Methods Data collected in the Dutch southwest early PsA cohort (DEPAR) study were analyzed. These three-monthly data encompassed disease activity, HRQOL was measured with the Short Form 36 (SF36) Physical Component Scale (SF36-PCS) and Mental Component Scale, and productivity was measured with the Productivity Cost Questionnaire. Radiographic damage was scored at baseline and at 12 months with the PsA-modified Sharp/van der Heijde score. Patients were classified by time to MDA as in early (within 3 months), late (at 6–12 months), and never MDA in the first year. Results We included 296 patients who had had their 1-year outpatient visit (mean age 51 years, 53% male). Ninety-six (32%) were classified as early MDA, 78 (26%) as late MDA, and 98 (33%) as never MDA. Data of 24 patients (8%) were missing. SF36-PCS and productivity scores improved after gaining MDA, but remained low in never MDA patients. At 1 year, SF36-PCS and productivity scores were similar in early and late MDA patients. Radiographic progression rate was low and similar in all groups. Conclusion Gaining MDA was associated with considerable improvement in HRQoL and functioning, irrespective of time to first MDA. In the one third of patients not in MDA in the first year, the disease had a substantial health impact.

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