Review article

Comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Silva Pukšić ; Department for Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Clinic for Internal Medicine of the School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
Jadranka Morović-Vergles ; Department for Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Clinic for Internal Medicine of the School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients significantly impairs and limits management of primary disease, decreases general quality of life, and worsens outcomes. Cardiovascular comorbidity is the leading cause of excess mortality in RA patients, which is up to two times higher compared to the general population. Infections, pulmonary disease and malignant diseases also contribute to excess mortality, while fatigue, depression and osteoporosis are related to decreased quality of life. Adequate management of RA patients should therefore, besides tight control of disease activity, also include comorbidity screening and management. This approach should improve both RA and comorbidity related outcomes.

Keywords

comorbidity; rheumatoid arthritis; cardiovascular diseases; osteoporosis; depression; infections

Hrčak ID:

137894

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/137894

Publication date:

23.10.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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