AB0200 Factors associated with functional capacity in a brazilian cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the ‘’ real ‘’ study

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with impairments in functionality, affecting aspects such as physical capacity, independence, mental health, social and professional life. Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) is a validated tool for assessing functional capacity in RA patients. A simple questionnaire with a score of 0 to 3 is applied, with an inverse relationship between grade and functionality. Previous studies have shown worse functional indexes in patients with high disease activity and established joint damage. Objectives To relate clinical, laboratory and therapeutic aspects with HAQ-DI in a large cohort of Brazilian patients. Methods A prospective, multicenter cohort study (“REAL” Study) involving 11 Brazilian centres specialised in the treatment of RA patients. All patients were submitted to at least 3 clinical evaluations in a 12 month period. Only patients older than 18 years and classified as RA according to 1987 (ACR) or 2010 (ACR/EULAR) criteria were evaluated. HAQ-DI was applied for assessing functional capacity, and the results were analysed for association with clinical, laboratory and therapeutic elements. Comparison between groups was performed using Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results Overall, 1116 patients (89.43% females, mean age 58±11 years) took part in the study. Rheumatoid factor (RF) in high levels and bone erosion were both associated with higher HAQ-DI indexes (p: 0.0244 and p Conclusions In our prospective cohort, patients with high levels of RF, bone erosion, in use of any biologic DMARD or targeted-synthetic DMARD, abatacept, rituximab or tocilizumab had worse functional capacity indexes. When compared to non-use, the use of any conventional DMARD was associated with better rates of HAQ-DI. References [1] Drossaers-Bakker KW, de Buck M, van Zeben D, et al. Long-term course and outcome of functional capacity in rheumatoid arthritis: The effect of disease activity and radiologic damage over time. Arthritis Rheum1999;42:1854. [2] Scott DL, Pugner K, Kaarela K, et al. The links between joint damage and disability in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford)2000;39:122. Disclosure of Interest None declared