AB0291 COMORBIDITIES PROFILES IN SEROPOSITIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS VERSUS SERONEGATIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

BackgroundPatients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (positive Rheumatoid Factor (RF)) are more susceptible to extra-articular manifestations [1]. The role of RF in the occurrence of comorbidity is not clear.ObjectivesWe aimed to compare comorbidities among patients with seropositive RA versus patients with seronegative RA.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in our rheumatology department including 255 patients with established RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria. Patients were divided in two groups according to their Rheumatoid Factor (RF) profile: seropositive RA (positive RF), seronegative RA (negative RF). Comorbidities were investigated and compared between the two patients groups.ResultsThere were 206 seropositive RA and 49 seronegative RA. Gender distribution was similar in the two groups: 82% female and 18% male in seropositive RA; 85% female and 15% male in seronegative RA (p=0.5). Smoking was noted in 15% patients with seropositive RA and in 11% patients with seronegative RA without any difference (p=0.5).Comorbidities were noted in 49% of seropositive RA and in 45% of seronegative RA without any significant difference (p=0.6). Obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) was noted in 31% of seropositive RA and in 36% of seronegative RA (p=0.7). Diabetes was noted in 18 % seropositive RA and in 26% seronegative RA patients (p=0.1). Hypertension was noted in 31% seropositive RA patients and in 30% seronegative RA (p=0.8). Heart disease was present in 6% seropositive RA and in 7% seronegative RA (p=0.9). Dyslipidemia was noted in 40% seropositive RA and in 20% seronegative RA (p=0.1). Gastrointestinal comorbidities were observed in only seropositive RA patients (11%). Respiratory comorbidities were noted in 27% seropositive RA and in 28% seronegative RA without any significant difference (p=0.6). Regarding mental health problems, depression was noted in 7% seropositive RA and in 14% seronegative RA without any significant difference (p=0.4).ConclusionOur study showed that comorbidities were comparable in seropositive and seronegative RA. It seems that RF does not influence the prevalence of comorbidities in RA patients.