Luise Holberg Lindgren, Nanna Maria Hammer, Caroline A Flurey, Kim Vilbæk Jensen, Lena Andersen, Bente Appel Esbensen
{"title":"Gender differences in illness acceptance and coping strategies among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional survey study.","authors":"Luise Holberg Lindgren, Nanna Maria Hammer, Caroline A Flurey, Kim Vilbæk Jensen, Lena Andersen, Bente Appel Esbensen","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05805-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05805-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate potential gender differences in illness acceptance and coping strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). Furthermore, the study aimed to identify factors associated with illness acceptance and coping strategies specific to men and women. A cross-sectional nationwide survey design was applied. Illness acceptance was measured by using the Acceptance of Illness Scale and coping was measured by using the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to explore gender differences in illness acceptance and coping strategies in patients with IA, while logistic regression analyses investigated associated factors. The study included 664 participants (85.1% women) with a mean age of 50 and median disease duration of 10 years. Diagnoses included 53.3% rheumatoid arthritis, 27.1% psoriatic arthritis, and 19.6% axial spondyloarthritis. A statistically significant difference was found between men and women in use of avoidance (P = 0.015). Higher illness acceptance was associated with tertiary education in men (OR: 3.90) and older age in women (OR: 1.35 per 10 years). Women with higher disease activity used confrontation more (OR: 1.64) than women with less activity. Men relied more on avoidance when facing psychological distress (OR: 1.29) or severe fatigue (OR: 1.31), as did women with high disease activity (OR: 2.09). Acceptance-resignation was linked to higher disability and psychological distress in men (OR: 1.32 and 1.52) and higher disease activity in women (OR: 2.09). We identified factors associated with illness acceptance and coping strategies among IA patients. Gender-sensitive approaches are needed to address specific factors influencing illness acceptance and coping in men and women.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"52"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11829925/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143425484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yerlan Yemeshev, Bekaidar Nurmashev, Olena Zimba, Burhan Fatih Kocyigit
{"title":"Clinical implications of teleradiology in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: improving rheumatic care.","authors":"Yerlan Yemeshev, Bekaidar Nurmashev, Olena Zimba, Burhan Fatih Kocyigit","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05810-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05810-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Teleradiology, the transmission of radiologic images for remote assessment and consultation, has transformed modern medical care by mitigating geographical inequities and improving diagnostic accuracy. This technology employs telecommunications, digital imaging, and data-sharing systems developments to deliver swift and precise image analysis across various healthcare environments. Teleradiology has been essential in identifying and controlling diseases, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis, especially in musculoskeletal radiology and rheumatology. The combination of teleradiology and telemedicine has transformed multidisciplinary cooperation, enhancing communication among radiologists, rheumatologists, and other healthcare practitioners to provide patient-centered treatment. It has markedly enhanced access to highly specialized knowledge, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas, facilitating prompt consultations and alleviating patient travel constraints. However, despite its benefits, teleradiology encounters several challenges, including standardization issues, ethical dilemmas, and infrastructure constraints. The absence of uniform standards and inequalities in access to high-speed Internet and digital health records impede extensive implementation. Addressing these constraints is crucial to fully utilizing teleradiology's potential in musculoskeletal and rheumatic care. This article highlights the transformational potential of teleradiology and its incorporation into telemedicine for musculoskeletal and rheumatological treatment. Teleradiology is set to enhance global healthcare delivery by addressing disparities in healthcare access, fostering multidisciplinary cooperation, and utilizing advanced technologies. It underscores the necessity for ongoing innovation and investment in infrastructure, education, and standards to optimize the advantages of this crucial technology and guarantee equitable, efficient, and high-quality care for all patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"51"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11825612/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143410409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hilmi Erdem Sumbul, Ramazan Azim Okyay, Dana Bekaryssova, Burhan Fatih Kocyigit
{"title":"Global research trends on fibromyalgia and exercise: a ten-year Web of Science-based bibliometric analysis.","authors":"Hilmi Erdem Sumbul, Ramazan Azim Okyay, Dana Bekaryssova, Burhan Fatih Kocyigit","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05807-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05807-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, exhaustion, and cognitive deficits, lowering sufferers' quality of life. Exercise supports the management of fibromyalgia by reducing pain and improving mood. This study examines global fibromyalgia and exercise research trends using bibliometric analysis to identify major contributors, citation patterns, and prospective research areas. Data were obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) database utilizing the keywords \"fibromyalgia exercise\" for publications from 2014 to 2023. The inclusion criteria prioritized original articles and reviews published in the English language. Bibliometric characteristics were examined, including publication year, country, journal, and citation metrics. Statistics adjusted for population and gross domestic product (GDP) were computed to evaluate research productivity in relation to economic and demographic variables. A total of 497 publications satisfied the inclusion criteria. A significant increase trend in publication counts was noted (p = 0.003), with Spain (25.75%), the United States (15.09%), Brazil (13.88%), Türkiye (7.24%), and Sweden (5.23%) identified as the major contributors. Publications were produced by 37 countries, 19 of which were the main active countries. Spain displayed remarkable productivity, ranking first in population- and GDP-adjusted contributions. Based on publication type, 388 (78.06%) were original articles, and the rest were reviews. The median number of original article and review citations were 11 (min = 0; max = 289) and 14 (min = 0; max = 1092). Review citations outnumbered original articles (p = 0.013). The median number of citations for SCIE and/or SSCI and ESCI articles were 12 (min = 0; max = 1092) and 3 (min = 0; max = 92). SCIE and/or SSCI articles were significantly more cited than ESCI ones (p < 0.001). INT J ENV RES PUB HE (n = 18), RHEUMATOL INT (n = 17), ARCH PHYS MED REHAB (n = 15), J CLIN MED (n = 14) and DISABIL REHABIL (n = 13) were the top five journals in terms of article count. This bibliometric analysis evaluates and summarizes global scholarly output on fibromyalgia and exercise, underscoring the increasing research interest in the two. High-income countries, notably Spain, the United States, and Sweden, significantly contributed to the area, underscoring differences in research capacities.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11825626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143409962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S Chandrashekara, Padmanabha Shenoy, Uma Kumar, Sapan Pandya, Alakendu Ghosh, Apurva Khare, Rajkiran Dudam, Rudra Prosad Goswami
{"title":"Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on the reproductive health of women before and after disease onset: an observational study.","authors":"S Chandrashekara, Padmanabha Shenoy, Uma Kumar, Sapan Pandya, Alakendu Ghosh, Apurva Khare, Rajkiran Dudam, Rudra Prosad Goswami","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05801-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05801-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can significantly affect reproductive health. This study aims to assess reproductive health metrics among SLE patients in Indian settings to compare fertility rates and the impact of the disease on pregnancy with data from the general population. The independent, prospective, multicenter, observational study collected data from SLE patients at seven centres in India through a database created by the Indian Rheumatology Association. Data were gathered using structured proformas validated by experts. The final analysis included women aged > 15 years (total cohort), after excluding male subjects and those with inadequate data. Participants were categorized into married and unmarried cohorts, and various reproductive health metrics were analyzed pre- and post-disease. The total cohort included 631 subjects with an average age at recruitment of 36.46 ± 12.31 years, and mean age at menarche of 13.74 ± 1.44 years. The total cohort had an average of 1.8 pregnancies per woman, with an abortion rate of 0.35. The married cohort showed a pregnancy wastage ratio of 201.43. The cumulative fertility rate noted for the married cohort was 1.40, while for the total cohort was 1.04. Significant differences in pregnancy outcomes were observed before and after the onset of SLE, with pregnancies declining from 703 to 136 (P < 0.0001). A significant increase in pregnancy complications, including pregnancy-induced hypertension, small for gestational age, and pre-eclampsia, was noted before and after disease onset (P < 0.0001). Central nervous system and skin involvement also became more prevalent post-disease (P = 0.046 and P = 0.040, respectively). The study highlights the significant impact of SLE on pregnancy, both before and after disease onset, noting reduced pregnancies and live births, along with increased rates of pregnancy loss, stillbirths, and abortions. Complications such as hypertension and pre-eclampsia were more common after disease onset. These findings emphasize the need for targeted healthcare strategies and collaborative efforts to improve reproductive outcomes in patients with SLE.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"49"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143409964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Simon M Petzinna, Jan H Terheyden, Lara C Burg, Claus-Juergen Bauer, Pantelis Karakostas, Charlotte Behning, Frank G Holz, Robert P Finger, Valentin S Schäfer
{"title":"Imaging of ophthalmic manifestations: optical coherence tomography angiography and transorbital ultrasound in giant cell arteritis.","authors":"Simon M Petzinna, Jan H Terheyden, Lara C Burg, Claus-Juergen Bauer, Pantelis Karakostas, Charlotte Behning, Frank G Holz, Robert P Finger, Valentin S Schäfer","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05800-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05800-y","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"48"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11814037/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143391665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aleksander Osiowski, Maksymilian Osiowski, Kacper Stolarz, Tomasz Klepinowski, Dominik Taterra
{"title":"Headache as the most common manifestation of giant cell arteritis?: a systematic review with meta-analysis.","authors":"Aleksander Osiowski, Maksymilian Osiowski, Kacper Stolarz, Tomasz Klepinowski, Dominik Taterra","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05803-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05803-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the relative frequency of clinical features of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and to investigate the predictors of temporal artery biopsy (TAB) outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature search of Pubmed/Medline, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Directory of Open Access journals (DOAJ) was conducted from January 1, 1990 to February 2025. Observational studies that reported original data on clinical features in patients diagnosed with GCA in accordance with 1990 ACR and/or 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria were deemed for inclusion. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to determine the pooled prevalence estimates. The study's design adhered closely to the MOOSE standards. The JBI appraisal tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The study's protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024584763).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of initial 12,628 records, 62 articles (9971 patients) met all of the eligibility criteria. Mean patients' age upon diagnosis was 74.33 years (95%CI: 74.12-74.54 years). The most prevalent clinical feature of GCA was new-onset headache (75.7%; 95CI%: 72.2-79.0; 95%PI: 0.47-0.92). Other common symptoms of GCA were temporal artery abnormalities (51.5%; 95%CI: 45.2-57.7; 95%PI: 0.25-0.77), weakness/malaise (46.7%; 95%CI: 35.4-58.4; 95%PI: 0.09-0.88), and scalp tenderness (39.1; 95%CI: 35.3-43.1; 95%PI: 0.22-0.59). Positive TAB results were present in 73.8% of patients (95%CI: 68.1-78.8%; 95%PI: 0.35-0.94). The presence of headache (LogOR = -1.11; 95%CI: -1.92 to -0.29) or PMR (-0.71; 95%CI: -1.09 to -0.32) significantly decreases the chance of receiving positive TAB results.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Since there is a greater likelihood of obtaining negative biopsy results, the TAB may not be required when a patient exhibits a headache along with other clinical symptoms that enable them to be diagnosed with GCA.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"47"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143391664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thyroid disease as a comorbidity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases.","authors":"Yuliya Fedorchenko, Marlen Yessirkepov, Bohdana Doskaliuk, Liubomyr Zaiats, Khaiyom Mahmudov","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05798-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05798-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thyroid disease is a common comorbidity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). It complicates disease management and treatment of IRDs. The interplay between thyroid disfunction and IRDs is confounded by shared autoimmune mechanisms and systemic inflammation. Available evidence suggests that rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with an elevated risk of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). This review explores mechanisms of thyroid disease in IRDs, overviews implications for disease management, and highlights approaches to optimal patient outcomes. Recent studies point to the need for routine thyroid screening in high-risk IRD populations and justify therapies with anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-17 agents, targeting both thyroid disease and IRDs. This integrated management strategy is crucial for optimizing therapeutic approaches in overlapping autoimmune conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143391666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A feasible treatment strategy for tapering subcutaneous tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis: a 24-month multi-center retrospective study.","authors":"Takanori Ito, Sho Fukui, Fumika N Nagase, Toshihiro Yamaguchi, Nobuhiro Oda, Hajime Inokuchi, Masei Suda, Naoho Takizawa, Yasuhiro Suyama, Ryo Rokutanda, Atsushi Nomura, Eishi Uechi, Yoichiro Haji, Hiromichi Tamaki","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05796-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05796-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To examine whether extending tocilizumab (TCZ) intervals is a feasible treatment strategy in giant cell arteritis (GCA). This multicenter retrospective study included patients with GCA who started subcutaneous TCZ at five Japanese hospitals between January 2008 and July 2021. We collected clinical data and monitored relapses for up to 24 months following the initiation of TCZ. The treatment regimen, including TCZ intervals and glucocorticoid (GC) dosage, was evaluated every 6 months. Of 56 eligible patients, 44 (79%) initiated TCZ weekly, and 12 (21%) every two weeks. The GC dosage consistently decreased after initiating TCZ; GC discontinuation was achieved in 87.5% at month 24. The number of patients extending TCZ intervals increased over time. Among the 32 patients who were followed at month 24, 5 (15.6%) continued weekly TCZ; the TCZ interval was every two weeks in 13 (40.6%), every three weeks in 7 (21.9%), and every four weeks or longer in 5 (15.6%), and 2 (6.3%) discontinued TCZ due to well-controlled disease. During 24-month follow-up, 10 (31.3%) extended TCZ intervals by two weeks or more from the starting dose. Three patients experienced relapses after extending TCZ intervals for well-controlled GCA, and all improved by shortening TCZ intervals. Gradually extending TCZ intervals by one week each is a feasible treatment strategy for well-controlled GCA patients after achieving GC-free status. While some patients may experience relapses following the extension of TCZ intervals, these relapses might be potentially managed by adjusting only the TCZ intervals.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143383166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
William Berthelot, Caroline Sirois, Anne-Sophie Julien, Nathalie Amiable, Louis Bessette, Philippe Desaulniers, Marie-Claude Audet, Sonia Lagacé, Paul R Fortin
{"title":"The association between polypharmacy and disease control in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a cohort study.","authors":"William Berthelot, Caroline Sirois, Anne-Sophie Julien, Nathalie Amiable, Louis Bessette, Philippe Desaulniers, Marie-Claude Audet, Sonia Lagacé, Paul R Fortin","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05804-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05804-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polypharmacy can be associated with poor outcomes in chronic diseases. Our objective is to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and its association with disease control in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An observational study was conducted using the SARD database of the CHU de Québec. Participants newly diagnosed with RA or SLE enrolled in the database after 24 months were included. Collected data included number and type of medications, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and medication adherence (proportion of days covered during the first 180 days). Polypharmacy was defined as the simultaneous use ≥5 medications. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used to determine the association between polypharmacy and disease control (DAS28CRP, SLEDAI-2 K). The study included 111 participants (RA = 81; SLE = 30). Medication count increased at two years in RA (mean ± SD): 4.6 ± 3.3 to 6.9 ± 3.6; and SLE: 6.5 ± 4.6 to 7.80 ± 4.82. Polypharmacy prevalence increased at two years: RA: from 43 to 74%; SLE: from 47 to 73%. Mean medication adherence exceeded 85%. For RA participants, polypharmacy was associated with a better DAS28CRP score at one year [adjusted odds ratio of achieving a poor outcome: 0.17 (95%CI 0.04-0.71)], but this association was lost at two years [2.88 (0.45-18.29)]. For SLE, polypharmacy was not associated with disease activity based on the SLEDAI-2 K at one year [7.36 (0.26-211.16)] or two years [0.32 (0.05-1.99)]. Overall, polypharmacy is very prevalent in RA and SLE and could be positively associated with the level of disease control in the year after a diagnosis of RA.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 3","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143374623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marija Rogoznica, Mislav Radić, Andrej Belančić, Kristina Skroče, Karla Vurić, Tatjana Kehler
{"title":"Sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life in women with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis- a cross-sectional analysis.","authors":"Marija Rogoznica, Mislav Radić, Andrej Belančić, Kristina Skroče, Karla Vurić, Tatjana Kehler","doi":"10.1007/s00296-025-05788-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-025-05788-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which causes a major deterioration of both physical and mental health. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD), decreased quality of life (QoL), and depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). A cross-sectional study was performed, involving 60 sexually active women with nr-axSpA and an age-matched group of 60 healthy women. Data were gathered through patient records and three standardized tools: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Sexual dysfunction was found to be more prevalent in the nr-axSpA group (65% vs. 40%, p < 0.01). The mean FSFI result was substantially lower in patients than in healthy controls (19.71 ± 11.32 vs. 24.75 ± 8.36, p < 0.01) with significant differences of the scores in desire, arousal, lubrication and pain caused during intercourse. Women with nr-axSpA also experienced higher levels of anxiety (HADS-A: 8.52 ± 3.62 vs. 5.88 ± 3.83, p < 0.01) and depression (HADS-D: 6.27 ± 3.38 vs. 3.28 ± 2.77, p < 0.01). They also had lower physical (171.0 ± 72.9 vs. 301.5 ± 81.2, p < 0.01) and mental (204.9 ± 83.9 vs. 277.1 ± 74.5, p < 0.01) QoL scores. Women diagnosed with nr-axSpA are more prone to sexual dysfunction, increased anxiety and depression, and have a significantly worsened quality of life. The obtained results accentuate the necessity of addressing the patients' physical as well as their emotional issues through a comprehensive approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"45 2","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143190493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}