Background: Depression is present in up to half of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The association between this mood disorder and disease activity scores, including DAS28, SDAI and CDAI, has previously been described by various authors.

Objectives: The aim of our study was assessed the effect of depression on the components of different disease activity scores.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive adults with RA, according to ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities and current treatment were recorded. Disease activity was evaluated using DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, SDAI and CDAI. Depression was assessed using PHQ-9 questionnaire. The PHQ-9 values were categorized in 4 groups as follows: 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 or greater, represents mild, moderate, moderate/severe, and severe depression, respectively. A cutoff value of 10 or greater was set to define major depression. Statistical analysis: Student´s T, ANOVA and Chi² tests. Multiple logistic regression.

Results: Two hundred fifty eight patients were included, with a median (m) disease duration of 9 years (IQR 3.6-16.7). The m PHQ-9 score was 6 (IQR 2-12.3) and the prevalence of major depression was 33.7%. Patients with major depression had more tender and swollen joint count (TJC and SJC) (mean 4.9±4.3 vs 2.3±3.7, p<0.0001 and 2.9±3.3 vs 1.7±3.4, p=0.009), more pain (VAS [cm] mean 5.6±2.7 vs 3.3±2.6, p<0.0001), higher patient and physician global assessment (PGA and PhGA) (VAS [cm] mean 5.4±2.9 vs 3.1±2.5, p<0.0001 and 4.4±2.7 vs 2.4±2.4, p<0.0001) and CRP (mean 1.7±3.3 vs 0.7±1.1 mg/dl, p=0.01). ESR values were higher in the group with major depression, but the difference did not reach significance. Disease activity was higher in the depression group by all scores: DAS28-ESR (mean 4.3±1.4 vs 3.3±1.3, p<0.0001), DAS28-CRP (mean 3.9±1.4 vs 2.8±1.7, p<0.0001), SDAI (mean 19.2±12.7 vs 10.3±10.1, p<0.0001) and CDAI (mean 17.6±10.9 vs 9.6±9.9, p<0.0001). While 41 (15.9%) patients had high disease activity according to DAS28-ESR, only 34 (13.2%) had SDAI>26.

In the multivariate analysis, evaluating the association of major depression with the different components of DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, SDAI and CDAI, we observed that the presence of this mood disorder remained significantly associated with higher PGA in all the scores. In addition, a significant association was seen with higher TJC in both DAS28 scores.

Conclusion: Patients with major depression had higher disease activity. It´s presence has a significantly association with the subjective items of the disease activity scores, particularly PGA. CRP value was the only objective component associated with depression.

Disclosure of Interests: Carolina Ayelen Isnardi Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Emilce Edith Schneeberger Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Genzyme, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Dafne Capelusnik Speakers bureau: Bristol Myers Squibb, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Marcela Bazzarelli: None declared, Laura Barloco: None declared, Eliana Soledad Blanco: None declared, Alejandro Benitez Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Novartis, Amgen, Federico Benavidez: None declared, SANTIAGO SCARAFIA: None declared, María Alicia Lazaro Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Rodolfo Perez Alamino Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Federico Colombres: None declared, María Paula Kohan: None declared, Julia Sosa: None declared, Luciana Gonzalez Lucero: None declared, Ana Lucía Barbaglia: None declared, Hernan Maldonado Ficco Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Abbvie, Jansen, Novartis, Bago, Bristol, Eli Lilly., Consultant of: Pfizer, Abbvie, Novartis, Jansen, Bago, Eli Lilly., Gustavo Citera Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Lilly, Jansen, Gema, Pfizer, Roche, Grant/research support from: Pfizer