INFLUENCE OF JOINT DAMAGE ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITIES IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Evaluating functional status in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis defines the presence of functional limitations and incapacitation. Patients’ ability to perform daily activities is reduced during the disease, and parameters influencing its reduction are numerous. The aim of this research was to examine the relation between joint damage and functional capacities of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.The analysis included 98 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at the Institute «Niska Banja». The examinees’ HAQ score was determined, after which they were separated into three functional groups, while standard hands and feet radiography determined the level of radiological damage (Larsen score). The majority of patients (41,8%) were characterized by functional disability (HAQ>2,01). The difference in values of Larsen score between the HAQ groups was statistically significant (p0.05). The investigation showed that the increase of joint destruction reduces functional ability of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Keywords

• functional ability
• joint damage
• rheumatoid arthritis
• funkcionalna sposobnost
• oštećenje zglobova
• reumatoidni artritis