Comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this study was to give an overview of recently published articles covering comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis with a specific focus on their implications in daily practice and clinical research studies.

Recent findings: Recent studies have confirmed the higher incidence/prevalence of some comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis such as atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases, some cancers, infections and osteoporosis. Apart from the interest in the underlying pathophysiological pathway, such studies have pointed out the impact of comorbidities on the course of the disease and also on the efficacy and tolerability of frequently used antirheumatic drugs. Such findings have prompted the rheumatology community to propose a standardized way to collect and to prevent these comorbidities.

Summary: Several comorbidities are frequently observed in rheumatoid arthritis because of the persistent activity of the disease and/or because of the administered antirheumatic therapies. Programs to adequately collect these comorbidities and/or prevent them are resulting in a better outcome for rheumatoid arthritis patients.