Rome, Italy, 12 June 2015: The results of a systematic review of published studies presented today at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress (EULAR 2015) Press Conference showed that biologics improve both absenteeism (not showing up for work) and presenteeism (being at work but not functioning fully) in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritides. Rheumatic conditions are the most frequently cited reason for absence from work, and these findings suggest that biologics could significantly reduce the economic burden of these diseases.
Chronic inflammatory arthritides - such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - confer significant patient and economic burdens. As a result of their condition, one fifth of people with rheumatic conditions has been forced to change career, one third will have stopped working within two years of onset, and half will be unable to work within ten years.
"Within a few years of diagnosis, a significant proportion of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis are no longer able to work. This has major financial consequences for individuals and society, and is one of the reasons the indirect costs are higher for rheumatic disease than other diseases, " said study investigator Dr Cécile Gaujoux Viala, head of the Rheumatology Department of N?mes University Hospital, France. "Our systematic review demonstrates the beneficial effects of biologics on absenteeism and presenteeism, leading us to suggest that the high costs of these treatments could in fact be at least partly offset by the savings they deliver in indirect costs."
Fifteen randomised controlled trials and seven controlled cohorts reporting the effect of biological agents on work among 15,881 patients with RA, AS and PsA were identified and analysed. The outcomes were accumulated missed workdays, number of patients losing work time due to these conditions, impact on productivity, and employment loss, as compared with 9,713 patients receiving non-biologics.
Despite the heterogeneity of the data, the meta-analysis revealed that biologics significantly reduce accumulated missed workdays, the number of patients losing hours and improve work productivity.
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Abstract Number: OP0148
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in Room 5B of Fiera Roma during EULAR 2015 or on:
Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com
Onsite tel: +44 (0) 7738 890 799
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About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic diseases throughout Europe.
EULAR aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, and treatment of rheumatic diseases and the rehabilitation of those it affects.
With 45 scientific member societies, 35 People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe (PARE) organisations, 19 health professionals associations and 21 corporate members, EULAR highlights the importance of combating rheumatic diseases through both medical means and patient care.
EULAR 2015 is set to be the biggest rheumatology event in Europe with around 14,000 scientists, physicians, allied health professionals and related audiences in attendance from more than 120 countries. Over the course of the congress there will be some 300 oral and just under 2,000 poster abstract presentations, more than 150 sessions, 400 lectures, 40 poster tours and 350 invited speakers
To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org
Journal
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases