More Comorbidity in Difficult to Treat RA Save
A systematic review demonstrated that smoking, obesity, fibromyalgia, and depression are significantly associated with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T-RA).
This metanalysis referenced the validated European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology definition of D2T-RA. Overall 21 studies (22 968 RA patients) Significant associations were observed for:
- smoking history (OR 1.16)
- obesity (1.38)
- fibromyalgia (2.20)
- depression (1.74)
In this analysis there was no association between D2T-RA and current smoking, anxiety, and BMI. Most studies were of high quality, and no significant publication bias was detected.
Both inflammatory pathways, lifestyle factors and functional disease may contribute to those labeled as D2T-RA.
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Disclosures
The author has no conflicts of interest to disclose related to this subject
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