AB0765 Burden of rheumatoid arthritis in russia in the real world setting
Authors: M. DiBonaventura, E. L. Nasonov, R. Vasilescu, B. Tang
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is relatively similar across developed nations, ranging from 0.5 to 1.0% <sup>1,2</sup>. The prevalence in Russia has been estimated at 0.61% <sup>3</sup> and its incidence has remained stable over time <sup>4</sup>. Despite its relatively modest prevalence, RA has been associated with a variety of humanistic outcomes, though the effects on health status in Russia are unknown. Such research could help quantify the societal burden of RA and to assist when making cross-country comparisons of the burden of RA. <h3>Objectives</h3> To address the burden of RA in Russia by using a population-based health survey. <h3>Methods</h3> The 2011 Russia Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) was a self-administered, health survey of the adult urban population (aged 18 or older). Comorbidities were measured using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Health status was assessed using the mental (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) scores and health utilities derived from the Short Form-12 version 2 (SF-12v2). Descriptive analysis and general linear models were applied to quantify the burden of RA on health status controlling for demographic and health history differences. <h3>Results</h3> Out of a total 9,013 survey respondents, 71 reported a diagnosis of RA (0.71%). These respondents were compared with respondents who reported no diagnosis of RA. Patients with RA were significantly older, more likely to be female and obese, and had a greater comorbidity burden. Patients with RA reported significantly lower levels of both PCS and MCS than those without RA. Patients with RA also reported significantly lower health utility scores compared with those without RA. As a post-hoc analysis, the 10 most prevalent conditions for those with RA (arrhythmia, headache, hypertension, pain, insomnia/sleep difficulties, heartburn/Gastroesophageal reflux disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, angina pectoris/unstable angina, and high cholesterol) were compared with those without RA. All of these conditions were significantly more prevalent among those with RA than those in the control group (all p&lt;.05). Approximately 30% of patients with RA reported a diagnosis of arrhythmia, headache, and hypertension and approximately 25% reported having been diagnosed with pain and sleep difficulties. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The study results suggest a significant health status burden in patients with RA in Russia and emphasize the need for improved management of the condition. Further research is recommended to identify the clinical and economic burden of RA in Russia. <h3>References</h3> Gabriel SE, Arthritis Res Ther 11(3): 229, 2009; Lee DM, Lancet 358(9285): 903-911, 2001; Galushko EA, et al, Ter Arkh 82(5): 9-14, 2010; Folomeeva OM, et al, Ter Arkh 74(5): 5-11, 2002. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> M. DiBonaventura Grant/research support from: Pfizer, E. Nasonov: None Declared, R. Vasilescu Employee of: Pfizer, B. Tang Employee of: Pfizer