Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2022.61.04.04

Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Patients with Advanced Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dubravka Bobek ; Dubrava University Hospital, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine with Rheumatology, Zagreb, Croatia; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, School of Medicine, Osijek, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Andrea Banić Stipetić ; Zagreb University Hospital Center, Department of Rheumatic Diseases and Rehabilitation, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Miljenko Franić ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, School of Medicine, Osijek, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia; Dubrava University Hospital, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Lucijanić ; Dubrava University Hospital, Department of Hematology, Zagreb, Croatia
Jelena Lucijanić ; Zagreb-West Health Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Gudelj Gračanin ; Dubrava University Hospital, Division of Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Luciana Mijačika ; Dubrava University Hospital, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine with Rheumatology, Zagreb, Croatia
Porin Perić ; Zagreb University Hospital Center, Department of Rheumatic Diseases and Rehabilitation, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether patients with active rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) regularly take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and to clarify whether their
decision to take NSAIDs depends on disease activity, intensity of pain, or functional status. The study
also aimed to identify the risk factors for gastrointestinal side effects. Over 6 months, we conducted
a cross-sectional single-center study of consecutively hospitalized patients with confirmed RA. Activities
of daily living, pain intensity, and disease activity were evaluated by the Health Assessment
Questionnaire, visual analog scale, and disease activity score, respectively, in 28 joints. Of 73 patients
diagnosed with RA, 48 (66%) regularly took NSAIDs. Compared to non-users, NSAID users used
glucocorticoids less frequently. The decision to use NSAIDs was independent of disease activity, pain
intensity, degree of functional impairment, or presence of gastrointestinal risk factors. However, a
higher degree of functional impairment was associated with a longer duration of continuous NSAID
and glucocorticoid use. NSAIDs are still relevant for RA treatment. The decision to use them is not
necessarily affected by disease activity or pain intensity, but their prolonged use is required in patients
with a higher degree of functional disability. NSAIDs enable exclusion of glucocorticoid use, sparing
patients of glucocorticoid-related side effects.

Keywords

Rheumatoid arthritis; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Gastrointestinal side effects; Glucocorticoids; Disease activity

Hrčak ID:

301484

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/301484

Publication date:

1.12.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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