Abstract

Improved clinical outcomes and physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with originator adalimumab in routine clinical practice

Author(s): Dmitry Karateev, Bernadette Rojkovich, Maja Hojnik, Orsolya Nagy & Catalin Codreanu

Background/Objective: We aimed at evaluating changes in habitual physical activity, disease activity and physical function following treatment with originator adalimumab (ADA_ORIG) in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in routine clinical practice.

Methods: This observational study followed RA patients for 12 months, using the DAS28, HAQ-DI and Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) instruments to measure disease activity, physical function and habitual physical activity, respectively. Associations of SQUASH scores with DAS28, HAQ-DI and socio-demographic factors were evaluated by correlation coefficients and multivariable regression analyses.

Results: From baseline to final visit, the mean SQUASH total score increased from 4772 ± 4132 to 6104 ± 4921 (n=460), representing a 28% improvement in overall physical activity. Largest improvements were observed in the domains of leisure time and sport (42%), and activities at work and school (35%). Mean DAS28 and HAQ-DI scores decreased by 2.8 and 0.7 points, respectively, but a sizeable negative correlation was found only between baseline SQUASH total score and HAQ-DI score (–0.30; p<0.0001). Advancing age was negatively associated with the final SQUASH total score (effect estimate of –46.2, p<0.05).

Conclusion: Improvements in habitual physical activity, disease activity, and physical function were observed in RA patients after 12 months of ADA_ORIG therapy.