The Burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis (2018–2020) Save

A recent study that quantified the economic and humanistic burden of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the USA showed significantly higher health care expenditures, particularly medication costs, and suboptimal quality of life in RA.

Data derived from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey assessed adult patients with self-reported RA, gathering data on outpatient care, emergency department, office visits, prescription medications, home health, and others) .  Quality of life data were assessed by the Short Form 12 Health Survey physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS), activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL). 

A total of 4.27 million adults with RA were identified. Significantly higher total annual healthcare expenditures were seen in the RA group (mean $3,382.971 [95% confidence interval (CI) $1,816.50–$4,949.44]). 

RA patients also had lower PCS scores (4.78 [95% CI 3.47–6.09]) and MCS scores (mean −0.84 [95% CI −2.18 to 0.50]), and a greater need for ADL (aOR 2.02 [95% CI 1.59–2.56]) and IADL assistance (aOR 2.11 [95% CI 1.57–2.84]) (compared to non-RA patients). 

This study shows RA patients experience higher health care expenditures, and suboptimal quality of life as well.