RA-related work-disability rates were similar in the USA and European countries .
An apparent decrease in the prevalence of RA-related work disability since the 1970s may be related to a decrease in physically dem and ing work rather than to epidemiologic changes in RA .
The majority of the literature addresses permanent disability and temporary work loss ; none of the studies review ed reported the effect of RA on presenteeism , i.e. work limitation from the employer perspective , and there are few published studies of the effectiveness of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in reducing work-related productivity loss
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) is a chronic , debilitating disease with a significant impact on workplace productivity .
AIM To perform a systematic review of studies of the relationship between RA and reduced  workplace productivity .
Anakinra as a new therapeutic option in rheumatoid arthritis: clinical results and perspectives.
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra ) is a member of the IL-1 gene family , which blocks IL-1-mediated signal transduction . In rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) , recombinant human IL-1Ra ( anakinra ) has been evaluated in 5 r and omized , placebo-controlled clinical trials . In the European monotherapy study , 43 % of patients receiving 150 mg/day anakinra  achieved a 20 % response according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria ( ACR 20 ) , compared to 27 % in the placebo group . In the methotrexate combination therapy study , 42 % of the patients receiving 1 mg/kg/day anakinra  achieved an ACR20 response , 24 % an ACR50 response , and 10 % an ACR70 response . In each study , clinical ly meaningful improvements in the Health Assessment Question naire scores were observed . The Economic Re source Survey was employed in the European monotherapy study to evaluate patient and caregiver days of missed work or domestic activity in successive 4-week periods . There were rapid gains in the number of days at work or domestic activity in the treated patients , and the increases in productivity were dose-related . The mean change in the total modified Sharp score of patients who completed treatment with  anakinra was significantly less than in the patients who received placebo . Anakinra , a new biologic approach to the treatment of RA , results in significant improvements in the signs and symptoms , has beneficial effects on functional status , and on the rate of progressive structural joint damage
RA-related work-disability rates were similar in the USA and European countries .
An apparent decrease in the prevalence of RA-related work disability since the 1970s may be related to a decrease in physically dem and ing work rather than to epidemiologic changes in RA .
The majority of the literature addresses permanent disability and temporary work loss ; none of the studies review ed reported the effect of RA on presenteeism , i.e. work limitation from the employer perspective , and there are few published studies of the effectiveness of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in reducing work-related productivity loss
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) is a chronic , debilitating disease with a significant impact on workplace productivity .
AIM To perform a systematic review of studies of the relationship between RA and reduced  workplace productivity .