Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Report Persistent Symptoms

Even after many years of treatment with various prescription drugs, most patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis still experience frequent and often severe symptoms, according to a new Harris survey. Although more than 85% of 512 rheumatoid arthritis surveyed would consider trying newer treatments that may better control symptoms, many patients don't even broach the subject with their doctor because they have low expectations for symptom relief.

Although, on average, patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been on prescription treatments for more than 12 years and have switched their treatment an average of 6 times during that period -- symptoms persist. The survey also found that:

• 75% still struggle with daily RA-related pain, stiffness, fatigue, swelling.
• Over 70% of people with RA have moderate or severe symptoms.
• 66% find that their RA symptoms limit them.
• 59% are frustrated with their RA symptoms.
• 46% rate their quality of life less than or equal to 6 using a 10 point scale (10=high).
• 39% switched treatments at least once because of lack of symptom relief but would have liked to switch last treatment sooner.
• 73% were currently taking TNF blockers to treat RA. Despite frequent and severe symptoms, 83% reported being somewhat or very satisfied with TNF blockers.

Of all survey respondents, 46% waited 3 months or more to discuss inadequate symptom relief with their doctor. When asked why they waited to talk to their doctor, 57% said they have either learned to cope with symptoms or expect that they will always have symptoms. One of 5 patients reported their outlook has become increasingly negative.

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The survey was also given to 153 rheumatologists (doctors specializing in treating arthritis and related conditions) and it was found that the doctors and patients differed significantly in their perception of frequency and severity of symptoms and satisfaction with symptom relief. Patients rated prevalence and severity of RA symptoms higher than the rheumatologists did. Rheumatologists rated satisfaction with TNF blockers higher than patients did. Also, 9 out of 10 rheumatologists said they would try another TNF blocker if a patient needed to switch from their current TNF blocker.

More Related Resources:

• Fast Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Test Your Knowledge: Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 101: Free Newsletter E-Course
• 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Is There Advice for Patients With Long-term Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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