Characterizing Norwegian rheumatoid arthritis patients using the QUEST-RA protocol for comparison with other European countries

Background The QUEST-RA project (Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis) a multi centre and multinational project has revealed significant differences in disease severity and treatment in RA patients in European countries (1,2). Norway joined QUEST-RA in 2009. Objectives To compare Norwegian RA patients with other European countries using the QUEST-RA protocol. Methods From two ordinary rheumatology outpatient clinics in Norway (Kristiansand and Trondheim) 200 consecutive RA patients 100 from each centre using the QUEST-RA protocol was included. Data on demographics, disease severity and treatment was collected. Data collection was finished spring 2010. Continuous variables are presented as mean (SD) or median [range]. Results Demographic: age 58 (13) years, females 65.5%, BMI 25.7 kg/m 2 , Caucasian 98.5%, current smoker 26.6%, education 11.0 [4-20] years, full time employed 17.1%, full time employed age In comparison with other European QUEST-RA countries disease activity and health status in Norwegian RA patients were comparable with countries that had reported the lowest disease activity (DAS28) and the best health status in their RA patients (see table below). The proportion of RA patients treated with biologics in Norway is among the highest in Europe. Conclusions Norway is among European countries reporting the lowest level of disease activity in their RA patients and is also among countries with the highest proportion of patients on biologics. This however cannot be explained by use of biologics alone as e.g. Finland (1) using significant less biologics than Norway is reporting even a lower disease activity in their RA patients. References Sokka T et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2007;66:1491-6. Sokka T et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68:1666-72. Disclosure of Interest G. Haugeberg Grant/Research support from: Abbott Norway, E. Wilberg: None Declared, H. Gjelberg: None Declared, E. Rodevand: None Declared, T. Isler Grant/Research support from: Abbott International