Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease, estimated to affect 165 million people globally, that primarily involves the tissue lining the joint, the synovial membranes. Because the disease is systemic, it can also affect other internal organs. This means that patients often have associated comorbidity - the presence of other chronic conditions along with the arthritis.
Researchers Tuesday called for a holistic approach in the management and treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis to reduce mortality and improve patient outcome.
The call for action coincides with the start of EULAR 2001, the prestigious annual congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) which opens today.
"Many patients suffer from and have a shorter life expectancy due to infections, stomach bleedings, cardiovascular diseases, and renal diseases that all accompany the chronic course of RA. Currently, there is little clear guidance on how to manage these comorbid conditions which interact with the RA disease process to cause further complications," explained Professor Ferdinand Breedveld, the Scientific Chairman of EULAR 2001.
He added that there was now an urgent need to address the issue of comorbidity in RA, not only because these complications exacerbate disability but also because of their socioeconomic impact. Patients with RA often require more medical services than the general population for management of the underlying illness and comorbid conditions.
"Comorbidity reduces quality of life, adversely affects patient outcome and also impacts on resources for patient management. Allied with early referral to a specialist, increased awareness and optimal treatment of these complications has shown to benefit patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Management of comorbid disease should be an integral component of the patient's programme of care," Professor Breedveld said.
Professor Breedveld, the Scientific Chairman of EULAR 2001, is based in the Department of Rheumatology at the Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands.
EULAR, the European League Against Rheumatism, aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases.
EULAR 2001, the Annual Congress of EULAR, takes place from WednesdaySaturday June 13-16 in Prague. The aim of EULAR 2001 is to provide the best forum of the highest standards for scientific, educational and social exchange among professionals involved in rheumatology with links to patient organizations, in order to achieve progress in the clinical care of patients with rheumatic diseases.
13-Jun-2001
