Abstract

JAUREGUI CUARTAS, Edwin Antonio et al. Description of health status and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with etanercept in a care program in a Colombian specialist center. Rev.Colomb.Reumatol. [online]. 2013, vol.20, n.3, pp.122-127. ISSN 0121-8123.

Abstract Objective: We conducted a descriptive analysis of rheumatoid arthritis activity according to DAS28, and functionality with HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire), and depression scales after one year of follow-up, in a disease management program «Evaluación día» for Colombian patients whom started treatment with etanercept. Methods: We designed a program as part of an integral disease management. It involved four visits, including: lab tests, questionnaires, and clinical evaluation by rheumatologist, psychologist, physical and occupational therapist. Results: 91 patients were included. At the beginning of the program, 80.7% of the individuals were classified in moderate and severe disease activity. At the end of follow-up, disease remission by DAS28 was reached in 25% of the patients. The number of patients who experienced DAS28 reduction more than 1.2 points was 19 (37.5%). HAQ average at baseline was 1.07 and improved to 0.96 at the end of the follow-up. At baseline, 33.3% of patients had a mayor depression according to Zung Score and, after one year, this score was present in 21.9% of the patients. Conclusions: The description of this disease management program is important for the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis in Colombia and it may offer an integral treatment, which is necessary in all chronic diseases. The results found in this analysis seem to be similar as described in other observations.

Keywords : Rheumatoid arthritis; TNFR-Fc fusion protein; Remission induction; Health care quality access and evaluation; Depression.

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