Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HR-QOL).

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare HR-QOL in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods Forty-five patients with SSc, and 48 with RA were recruited from our rheumatology out patient-clinic. Patients were assessed for detailed clinical history and physical examination. HR-QOL and functional limitations were evaluated by Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP); disability by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ); depression and anxiety risk by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and hand functions by Duruoz Hand Index (DHI).

Results Mean age of the patients with SSc was 49.9±12.1 and RA was 47.8±11.4. Mean disease duration in SSc and RA was 10.1±8.2 and 10.2±7.5 respectively (p>0.05). Mean BMI of SSc and RA was 25.7±6.1 and 29.5±5.2, respectively (p<0.05). The mean diagnostic delay in SSc and RA was 5.2±5.3 and 2.8±3.7 years, respectively and was statistically longer in SSc (p<0.05). All component scores of SF36 as well as NHP were similar between patients with SSc and RA, except emotional reaction subscores of NHP, which was higher in RA. Mean total score of DHI was similar in SSc and RA groups (23.7±25.4 and 21.1±20.8, p>0.05, respectively). Anxiety and depression scores of HAD were relatively higher in SSc, but not statistically significant. Mean handgrip strength in SSc was relatively higher than RA (p>0.05). There was positive correlation between Rodnan skin score and DHI (r:0.57, p:0.001), HAQ (r:0.44, p:0.009), sleep subscore of NHP (r:0,37, p:0.004), and negative correlation with SF-36 physical function (r:-0,35, p:0.02), handgrip strength (r:-0.39, p:0.04). Medical Research Council dyspnea score was positively correlated with DHI (r:0.389, p<0.05), HAQ (r:0.55, p:0.001), all component of NHP (pain;r:0.44, p:0.008, physical activity; r:0.54, p:0.001, fatigue; r:0.53 p:0.001, social isolation;r: 0.38, p:0.02, emotional rection; r:0.457, p:0.006) except sleep subscore, depression score (r:0.37, p:0.03) of HAD and negatively correlated with physical component scores of SF-36 (r:-0,45, p:0.005).

Conclusions This study indicates similar impairment in HR-QOL, hand function, and disability, depression and anxiety risks in patients with SSc and RA. This study is the first comparing patients with SSc vs RA by using different functional and psychometric scales.

Disclosure of Interest None Declared