Reumatizam, Vol. 62 No. 1, 2015.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
IMPACT OF MORNING STIFFNESS, EDUCATION, AND AGE ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Vjollca Sahatçiu-Meka
Sylejman Rexhepi
Suzana Manxhuka-Kërliu
Kelmend Pallaska
Ardiana Murtezani
Teuta Osmani-Vllasolli
Mjellma Rexhepi
Blerta Rexhepi
Sažetak
Th e purpose of this study was to explore the relationship
between disability status and duration of morning stiff ness
in hands with regard to age, level of education, and gender
in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Also, the
authors wanted to investigate this relationship with regard
to the presence of rheumatoid factor, i.e., the serological
status.
A retrospective study was conducted in 250 patients with
the classic form of RA (186 females, 64 males, mean age
Xb = 49.96 years, range 25-60 years, disease duration 1-27
years, Xb = 6.41) previously diagnosed with RA according
to the ACR (American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria).
All patients were in Steinbrocker functional classes
II and III. Th e probability level was expressed by p < 0.01
and p < 0.05. Th e relationship between the variables was
measured by point-biserial correlation.
Th e correlation between duration of morning stiff ness and
functional class was positive but low [(r = 0.10, y = 0.00x
+ 2.37, p > 0.05) seronegative, (r = 0.12, y = 0.00x + 2.30,
p > 0.05) seropositive]. High positive values were obtained for the linear correlation coeffi cient between duration of
the disease and functional class (p < 0.01). Also, high values
were obtained regarding the coeffi cient of correlation
between age and functional class [(r = 0.29, p < 0.01) seronegative,
(r = 0.47, p < 0.01) seropositive]. Uneducated
patients were signifi cantly more represented in functional
class III [23 (50%) seronegative, 19 (42.2%) seropositive]
than in functional class II [16 (20.3%) seronegative, 22
(27.5%) seropositive].
In conclusion, in this study of patients with rheumatoid
arthritis, increased duration of morning stiff ness was
associated with functional disability. Functional disability
increased with the duration of the disease, depended
on age and educational level, and was more pronounced
in older age, regardless of RA serological status. With regard
to serological status and sex, the diff erences were
non-signifi cant.
Ključne riječi
rheumatoid arthritis; functional status; morning stiff ness; age; education
Hrčak ID:
182710
URI
Datum izdavanja:
9.3.2015.
Posjeta: 1.086 *