Retrospective investigation of the results of long-term treatment with disease modifying drugs in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective. To investigate effect of different disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) on X-ray progression, functional disability and quality of life in RA patients with disease duration of at least 10 years. Methods. 238 pts with RA (according to ARA 1987 criteria) with the beginning of disease at 1992 or later (30 male and 208 female) were included. Mean follow up duration was I5,5±6,4 years. X-ray changes were evaluated by Larsen method. Functional disability was assessed by HAQ and quality of life - by RAQol scale. Information about antirheumatic therapy was obtained by questioning of patients and from medical documentation. Results. There was no significant positive effect of DMARDs therapy on X-ray progression. Patients receiving gold salts (tauredon or chrisanol) for a long time had lower HAQ functional index (1,34±0,76 in comparison with 1,74±0,83 in patients without aurotherapy, p<0,0l) and less prominent quality of life decrease according to RAQoL scale (19,2±6,3 in comparison with 22,11:5.8. p<0,05). Other DMARDs had no significant independent positive effect on functional disability and quality of life at the end of long-term follow up. Conclusion. Retrospective evaluation of the results of long-term follow up showed that gold salts remained the drugs of choice in RA.