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The Burden of Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which, if left untreated, leads to functional disability, pain, reduced health-related quality of life and premature mortality. Between 0.5 % and 1 % of the population are affected worldwide, and between 25 and 50 new cases evolve in a population of 100,000. Practically all patients with RA require initiation with disease-modifying antirheumatic treatment to retard or stop progression, control disease manifestations and reduce the disease burden. If disease course is monitored with adjustment of medication, lifestyle factors, and exercise, as well as physical activity levels, co-morbidities may be prevented in the course of RA. During the last decade, major progress has been made in treating RA through early identification and treatment of the disease. Many patients still experience premature work disability and co-morbidities. For societies, the economic burden of RA is high in terms of direct and indirect costs, including modern drug treatment.

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Authorship Contribution and Conflicts of Interest

Till Uhlig and Rikke H. Moe reviewed the literature and abstracted the data; Till Uhlig and Rikke H. Moe drafted the manuscript; all authors interpreted the data and gave scientific input; all authors reviewed and commented on the drafts, and approved the final manuscript; Till Uhlig is the overall guarantor. Till Uhlig, Rikke H. Moe and Tore K. Kvien have no conflicts of interest that are of relevance to this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Advisory Unit on Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Box 23 Vinderen, 0319, Oslo, Norway

    Till Uhlig & Rikke H. Moe

  2. Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway

    Tore K. Kvien

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  1. Till Uhlig
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  2. Rikke H. Moe
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  3. Tore K. Kvien
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Correspondence to Till Uhlig.

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Uhlig, T., Moe, R.H. & Kvien, T.K. The Burden of Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis. PharmacoEconomics 32, 841–851 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40273-014-0174-6

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