Life quality and psychological disturbances in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: relationship with fibromyalgia

Abstract

Aim of the work – to study the life quality, cognitive functions and psychological status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) depending on comorbidity with fibromyalgia (FM).Materials and methods: There were examined 125 patients with RA (100 % women) 49,6±12,8 years old with moderate and high activity of RA. FM diagnosis was made on ACR1990 and mACR2010 criteria, specific sensitive points and the scale of fibromyalogity were defined, the general health status and life quality, sleep, cognitive functions and symptoms of depression were assessed.Results and discussion: Sleep disturbances and psychological disorders were detected in most patients with RA. Sleep disturbance was registered in 80 %, the symptoms of depression– in 61,6 %, decrease of cognitive functions - in 27,2 % of patients. The symptoms of depression, insomnia and the worsening of cognitive functions were more apparent in patients with RA associated with FM. The significant decrease of physical and psychological components of life quality was detected in patients with RA. The worsening of life quality was associated with the rise of fibromyalogity scale.Conclusion: FM is an independent factor of the worsening of life quality and psychological status of patients with RA. FM significantly worsens physical and especially psychological component of life quality, intensifies cognitive dysfunction, insomnia and depression in patients with RAKeywords: rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, life quality, psychological status, depression