AB0600 NUTRITIONAL HABITS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: L. M. Castorino, L. M. Gallegos, M. L. Martin, L. Ingolotti, M. L. Mamani Ortega, F. A. Segovia, Z. Ramos, S. Silva, C. E. Matellan, A. Marcé, J. Morbiducci, A. Secco
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, characterized by systemic inflammation and joint damage. In recent years, importance has begun to be given to nutritional status and its impact on the pathogenic processes of chronic diseases, which is why we consider it relevant to analyze nutritional habits in patients with RA, given the limited availability of studies on this topic. <h3>Objectives:</h3> 1- Describe and analyze nutritional habits in patients with RA. 2- Assess the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients according to their nutritional habits (Mediterranean, Western, Vegetarian/Vegan diet). 3-Determine the relationship between nutritional habit and disease activity, functionality and Body Mass Index (BMI). <h3>Methods:</h3> Observational, cross-sectional, analytical study, with prospective data collection. Patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of RA according to ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria were included. Patients with a diagnosis of another connective tissue disease (with the exception of secondary Sjogren's Syndrome) and gastrointestinal disorders that could affect diet were excluded. This study was carried out in collaboration with the hospital's Nutrition Section. To assess nutritional habits, a self-reported Food Group Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (CFCGA) was applied by a nutritional expert, based on a model of 19 food groups, validated in Spanish. Demographic variables, treatment, weight, height and current BMI were recorded for each patient. Patients were classified into three groups: Western diet, Mediterranean diet and vegetarian/vegan diet. Continuous variables were described as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range, depending on distribution and sample size, categorical variables were reported in percentages. For the analysis, the Student's T test or Mann Whitney test was used for continuous variables and for categorical variables, Chi square or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, taking the Western diet vs Mediterranean diet as the dependent variable, adjusted for possible confounders. <h3>Results:</h3> 130 patients were included, 90% female, mean age at the time of evaluation was 53 years (±13), mean time of evolution of the disease was 12 years (±9). The mean BMI was 27.48 kg/m2 (±5.22). The mean Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28) was 2.97 (±1.18) and Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) was 1 (±0.79). 26.15% received Biological Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (bDMARD), 95.38% received Conventional Synthetic Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (csDMARDs), the majority Methotrexate, and 38.46% received corticosteroids. 29 patients (22.31%) followed a Mediterranean diet and 101 (77.69%) followed a Western diet. None of the study subjects followed a vegetarian/vegan diet. In the bivariate analysis, statistically significant differences in BMI were observed between patients with a Western vs. Mediterranean diet [median: 27.5 (IQR 24.12-31.78) vs. 24.21 (IQR: 21.51-25.85), p=&lt;0.01]; as well as, in DAS 28 [median: 2.98 (IQR 2.1-3.95) vs 2.3 (IQR 2.06-2.97), p=0.04]. In the final multivariate analysis model, BMI was significantly and independently associated with a Western diet (OR: 1.17 95% CI: 1.05-1.30); while DAS 28 lost association (OR: 1.50 95% CI: 0.97-2.32), when considering the biological treatment and the time of evolution of the disease, which had a confounding effect. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The Mediterranean diet could have implications in controlling disease activity and BMI was independently associated with the type of diet, so it would be relevant to consider these aspects within the comprehensive approach to patients with RA. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>