Nearly Half Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers Feel Early Treatment Would Have Given Them More Independence

A UK survey of 575 rheumatoid arthritis sufferers highlights the importance of maintaining independence and the significant impact that early diagnosis and treatment can have. Over 94% of those surveyed claimed that their independence was compromised in some way, with over 60% saying it was compromised significantly. With earlier treatment of their disease, nearly half of the respondents felt that they would have been more independent today, making it vital that people are aware of the significance of early intervention.



Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive of NRAS said, "The response to this survey highlights what we already know to be true, that early treatment can make a big difference on the impact that rheumatoid arthritis can have on a person's life. Maintaining independence is so important, not only in terms of sustained quality of life and the ability to work, but also to keep personal hopes and dreams for the future alive. This Independence Day, we are encouraging people who are experiencing signs of rheumatoid arthritis, or who do not feel that their disease is currently well controlled, to seek advice from a healthcare professional as early as possible to help ensure that their independence and optimum quality of life is maintained."



In the survey, developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and supported by NRAS, simple activities which are normally taken for granted are shown to be significantly affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Around 36% of those surveyed have difficulties picking up a child or grandchild, 50% have difficulties simply going to the shops and a further 68% struggle to look after their garden. In addition 60% were significantly compromised in their ability to do their job. It has been estimated that the direct and indirect cost of the condition in the UK is up to ??4.75 billion a year, largely due to lost productivity.1



Research has shown that there is much potential to improve outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis through earlier identification and specialist treatment2; early effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can maximise the chances of slowing down disease progression. This minimises joint damage and permanent disability and has a very significant impact on independence and consequently a person's overall wellbeing and quality of life.3



Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive and disabling autoimmune condition that affects around 400,000 people in the UK with about 12,000 new cases diagnosed each year.1 It can cause stiffness, swelling and limitation in the motion and function of multiple joints. It is two to three times more common in women than men1 and can start at any age, usually between 40 and 70 years leading to irreversible joint destruction.4 Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, joint swelling, stiffness (often in the morning) and tiredness. It is a painful and distressing condition that can have a substantial impact on independence, however there is much potential to improve outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis through earlier identification and specialist treatment.2




References


1. NICE Clinical Guideline 79. Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults. February 2009.


2. The King's Fund Report for the Rheumatology Futures Group. Perceptions of patients and professionals on rheumatoid arthritis care. Available Online: here. Last Accessed June 2009.


3. Sokka R. Work Disability in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2003:21 (suppl 31):S71-S74.


4. Lee DM, Weinblatt ME. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Lancet 2001; 358: 903-911.


Source
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals