Original paper
Health-related quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis – original results and short literature review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, autoimmune, chronic inflammatory disease, resulting in disability and reduced health-related quality of life.
The objective of the study was to assess the associations between disability, which is an important factor affecting the health-related quality of life, and the clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity in 72 patients with RA.
We observed significant correlation between Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the duration of morning stiffness as well as Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI). Weak correlations were shown between HAQ and following parameters: tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), pain, disease duration and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS 28). There were no associations between HAQ and laboratory markers of inflammation.
Considering relatively weak associations with respect to disease activity and joint damage the assessment and monitoring of RA patients and the effectiveness of treatment should be broadened at least by evaluation of patient-reported disability.