FRI0032 HIGH INDEX OF SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR IN PATIENTS WITH INITIAL RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: DATA FROM A LONG COHORT OF INITIAL RA
Authors: Camila Cadena, Ana Paula Gomides, Talita Souza, Luciana Muniz, Pedro Henrique Almeida, Sandor Balsamo, Licia Mota
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019)

<h3>Background:</h3> The abandonment of a healthy lifestyle can have great impact on the quality of life, the response to the treatment and the control of the symptoms, like pain and fatigue on RA patients. Smoking is a proven trigger in the pathophysiology of RA, but studies show that it also participates in inflammatory activity throughout the course of the disease. RA patients are more likely to develop various comorbidities and increased cardiovascular risk when compared to the general population. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To access physical activity engagement along with alcohol and cigarette consumption. <h3>Methods:</h3> A cross-sectional study was carried out with patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received treatment on the initial stage of RA and followed up during 15 years in an initial RA cohort of a University Hospital. Participants underwent standardized clinical evaluation and analysis of complementary exams. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. <h3>Results:</h3> A total of 107 RA patients were evaluated. In the sample, 98% of the women were found, with a median age of 52 years. The mean duration of illness was 12.8 years and 11.3% had erosive disease. In relation to the habits of life, the physical activity level, prevalence of alcoholism and smoking were investigated. In general, our population was characterized by non- alcohol users (93.5%), non- smokers (75.7%) and not engaged into regular physical activities (56.1%). In relation to frequency, 21.5% of the patients exercised a minimum of three times a week, 16.8% once or twice a week and 5.6% once or twice a month. The practice of physical activity may be difficult for the patient with RA, who often has functional limitations, but is still of great importance, since it improves the response to treatment, prevents the onset of other comorbidities, or worsening of previous diseases, complications and promotes the improvement of the quality of life. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Even with a multidisciplinary approach and health care professionals qualified to instruct and emphasize the importance of engaging on an active lifestyle, RA patients remain mostly sedentary after 15 years of follow up. Perhaps other strategies of intervention should be investigated to improve such habits. <h3>References:</h3> [1] Løppenthin, K. et al. Physical activity and the association with fatigue and sleep in Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol. Int. 35, 1655–1664 (2015). [2] Demmelmaier, I., Pettersson, S., Nordgren, B., Dufour, A. B. &amp; Opava, C. H. Associations between fatigue and physical capacity in people moderately affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol. Int. 38, 2147–2155 (2018). [3] Manfredsdottir, V. F. et al. The effects of tobacco smoking and rheumatoid factor seropositivity on disease activity and joint damage in early rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology 45, 734–740 (2006) [4] Waldschmidt, T. J., Cook, R. T. &amp; Kovacs, E. J. Alcohol and inflammation and immune responses: summary of the 2005 Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group (AIRIG) meeting. Alcohol Fayettev. N38, 121–125 (2006). [5] Rajakulendran, S., Gadsby, K. &amp; Deighton, C. Rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol, leflunomide and methotrexate. Can changes to the BSR guidelines for leflunomide and methotrexate on alcohol consumption be justified? Musculoskeletal Care 6, 233–246 (2008). <h3>Acknowledgement:</h3> I would like to express my very great appreciation to the Universidade de Brasília (UnB) and Hospital Universitário de Brasília (HUB). <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> Camila Cadena: None declared, Ana Paula Gomides Grant/research support from: Has received personal support and consulting fees from Pfizer and Janssen, Consultant for: Has received personal support and consulting fees from Pfizer and Janssen, Paid instructor for: Has received personal support and consulting fees from Pfizer and Janssen, Talita Souza: None declared, Luciana Muniz: None declared, Pedro Henrique Almeida: None declared, Sandor Balsamo: None declared, Licia Mota Speakers bureau: Has delivered speeches at events sponsored by AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche and UCB.