Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Effectiveness of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug Therapy

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of polyarticular arthritis, where the body's own defense system targets the joint linings, bones and cartilage that ultimately leads to disability. The study aims to observe the effectiveness of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and to access disease compliance with adviced life style changes. Methods: A prospective, observational and questionnaire based study was conducted during July 2017 to August 2017 in different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. 200 patients with Rheumatoid arthritis were selected by convenient random sampling. The questionnaire was filled during face to face interviews with patients. The collected data was analyzed, tabulated and presented in the form of graphs and tables. Results: The results showed that 76% were females and 24% were males. 80% having major symptom of morning stiffness while 10% having swelling. 81%were using disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy.74% patients were using Plaquin HCQ, 3% Deltacortil and 45.5% Methotrexate (45.5%). Patients compliance was 67.9% with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy. Conclusion: It was concluded that the managerial therapies used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment were satisfactory with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy. Moreover, healthier lifestyle modifications slow down the disease progression.