Background:Methotrexate (MTX) represents theanchor drugfor the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as other rheumatological diseases such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthritides (SpA). Despite consolidated clinical efficacy, the use of MTX suffers from relevant limitations. Common issues include subjective intolerance, nausea, malaise, and fatigue, which negatively impact on quality of life and work/social participation.Objectives:In this study, we evaluated the frequency with which patients on MTX therapy opt for self-administration over the weekend or in the evening hours, in order to minimize interference with daily activities, work productivity, and social participation.Methods:A cross-sectional, prospective study was performed in two tertiary referral Rheumatology clinics, which included consecutive patients with RA, PsA, or SpA on MTX therapy. Enrolled patients had not previously received instructions by their healthcare provider as to when during the week or day MTX ought to be administered, and were free to choose or change the weekday and time for self-administration. Data on the route and timing of MTX self-administration was collected using dedicated questionnaires, which included queries on the dose and route of administration, day of the week and time of self-administration, reasons for the patient’s choice, use of folic acid supplementation, and concomitant therapies. Statistical analyses were conducted using a chi-square test; a p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results:A total of 275 consecutive patients treated with MTX were included, mostly with RA (86%). Patients had an average age of 59.8 years (SD 14.0) and an average disease duration of 134.5 months (SD 127.3). The average MTX dose was 15 mg/wk (SD 4.4); MTX was administered subcutaneously in 68.2% of cases, orally in 17.8%, and intramuscularly in 5%. Regarding the timing of MTX self-administration, 157 patients (57.1%) took MTX in the evening and 119 patients (44.3%) took it during the weekend; even among patients taking MTX in the evening, weekend administration was preferred (93/157, 59.2%, p <0.001). The most frequent reasons leading to MTX self-administration during the evening or weekend were gastrointestinal side effects/nausea (85% of cases), fatigue (63%), interference with work activities (36%) and interference with social activities (29%). Patients who opted for MTX self-administration in the evening or over the weekend were significantly younger (p <0.001), with no significant gender differences or disease duration.Conclusion:The majority of patients with inflammatory arthritis opt for self-administration of MTX in the evening (absolute majority) or during the weekend (relative majority). This choice is dictated by the need to avoid side effects and detrimental repercussions on the individual’s social or working life. The adoption of these strategies for minimizing the adverse effects of MTX is more frequent among younger patients, and provides an indirect, yet powerful indicator of the impact of MTX therapy on patients’ quality of life.Disclosure of Interests:Giulio Cavalli Consultant of: SOBI, Pfizer, Sanofi, Novartis, Paid instructor for: SOBI, Novartis, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, Martina Biggioggero: None declared, adriana cariddi: None declared, Giacomo De Luca Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, Celgene, Pfizer, MSD, Elena Agape: None declared, nicola boffini: None declared, Elena Baldissera Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Alpha Sigma, Sanofi, Lorenzo Dagna: None declared, Ennio Giulio Favalli Consultant of: Consultant and/or speaker for BMS, Eli-Lilly, MSD, UCB, Pfizer, Sanofi-Genzyme, Novartis, and Abbvie, Speakers bureau: Consultant and/or speaker for BMS, Eli-Lilly, MSD, UCB, Pfizer, Sanofi-Genzyme, Novartis, and Abbvie
Effects of rheumatoid arthritis on employment and social participation during the first years of disease in The Netherlands
