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 .
Auranofin treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis may postpone early retirement. Results from a 2-year double blind trial.
The effect of early vs delayed initiation of slow acting antirheumatic drug ( SAARD ) therapy on the ability to maintain regular work , was evaluated in 83 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) in a placebo controlled , double blind 24-month study . The estimated probability to maintain working ability was higher in the early treatment group , especially during the second study year . Predicting factors were age , type of work , degree of disability and number of swollen joints . Despite the difficulties in interpreting the results due to the complexity of the underlying socioeconomical and labor market situation , the study supports early treatment in RA with regard to the maintenance of normal life
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 .