GASTROESOPHAGEAL (GE) symptoms, such as acid reflux and heartburn, are significantly associated with higher disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new study. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring these symptoms, particularly in patients on methotrexate (MTX) therapy.
The study analyzed data from 558 patients with RA using the GerdQ questionnaire, a tool designed to assess gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Researchers examined the relationship between GE symptoms and RA disease activity, as well as the impact on medication adherence. Before adjusting for patient background characteristics, moderate to high RA disease activity was found in 25.6% of patients with higher GE symptoms compared to 12.7% of those with lower symptoms.
After adjusting for factors such as age, gender, and medication use, the results remained significant. Higher GerdQ scores were linked to increased tender joint counts (TJC28) and worse patient-reported outcomes on the visual analog scale (VAS). While MTX usage rates were similar across groups, the dosage was notably lower in patients with greater GE symptoms (6.5 mg/week vs. 7.7 mg/week, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that GE symptoms may contribute to lower MTX dosages, potentially affecting RA disease control. The authors emphasize the need for clinicians to routinely assess and manage GE symptoms in patients with RA, particularly those on MTX therapy, to improve treatment adherence and disease outcomes. Further research is needed to explore targeted interventions that could mitigate these symptoms and enhance patient adherence to RA medications. Reference: Nozaki Y et al. Utility of the GerdQ questionnaire in detecting gastroesophageal symptoms with RA patients. BMC Rheumatol. 2024;8(73). Anaya Malik | AMJ
