RODRIGUES, D. S.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7008520017112653; SILVA, Daniele Rodrigues da.
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, in fl ammatory, systemic, and chronic disease
that causes damage and symmetrical lesions in articular and extra-articular structures such as
bones and cartilage. The objective of this research was to characterize the sociodemographic,
clinical profile and quality of life of patients with RA. This is an observational, documentary
research, with a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative approach, developed in the
municipality of Cajazeiras/Paraíba. The sample consisted of 42 participants attended a private
clinic in the city of Cajazeiras - PB, between the years 2014 to 2018 and who met the
selection criteria. Data were collected from August to December 2018 by means of two
questionnaires, one semistructured on sociodemographic and clinical profile and the other SF-
36, which evaluated the quality of life (QoL). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics,
using excel version 2013 tools. The research complied with Resolution No. 466/12 of the
National Health Council, which regulates research with human beings. It was identified in the
study that the majority was female, 37 (88.1%); in the age group of 60-70 years, 15
individuals (35.7%); and 21 (50.0%) of the interviewees declared themselves to be brown.
Joint pain was the symptom reported by all participants; followed by morning joint stiffness
(66.7%) and edema (59.5%). The most commonly used laboratory tests for RA diagnosis
were rheumatoid factor (82.1%), C-reactive protein (69.2%) and cyclic citrullinated anti-
peptide (64.1%). Participants (60%) underwent drug treatment associated with non-
medication, mainly physiotherapy (36%). All patients used synthetic DMCD classes, followed
by glucocorticoids (93%) and NSAIDs (86%). Prednisone was the most frequently prescribed
drug (95.2%) recommended for RA treatment, followed by NSAIDs (85.7%) and
methotrexate (83.3%). It was verified that the RA has a negative impact in several domains of
the QoL, emphasizing the limitation by physical appearance, in which the lowest mean score
(35.8) was obtained and was classified by the majority of the participants, 11 (36.7%), as
being poor. Therefore, the research provided an overview on the clinical, diagnostic,
therapeutic and QoL aspects of RA patients. The treatment of these patients followed the
protocol recommended by the Ministry of Health and the limitations due to physical aspects,
caused by the disease, had a higher impact on QoL than the pain reported by the patients. Due
to the complexity of RA, complete follow-up of patients' health status is essential, since RA
causes physical restraints, affects functional capacity and can lead to the abandonment of
work at productive age. Thus, it is suggested to create therapeutic protocols that address
physical activity, psychological counseling and the introduction of QoL assessment in the
follow-up routine of these patients.
