Análise da qualidade de vida de pacientes com artrite reumatoide.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common systemic rheumatic diseases, which epidemiological studies have shown an increase of the number of people out of work due to deformations caused by the disease. Early treatment with regular monitoring of these patients is the only way to avoid the disabling injuries, and promotes the rational use of high-cost drugs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on quality of life of patients treated at the Rheumatology Clinic of the University Hospital Alcides Carneiro, and to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of these patients. A specific clinic was established for monitoring of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, conducted facilitated scheduling from the creation of the database based on clinical and demographic variables, quality of life questionnaire (HAQ) and disease activity index, using DAS 28, as well as guidance on the rational use of medicines. Significant changes in relation to the impact on quality of life at diagnosis were observed as assessed by HAQ and DAS28 questionnaires. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and regular monitoring with trained professionals seem to be associated with an improved quality of life related to health reported by the patient.