Survey Data Challenge Conventional Thinking Of Rheumatoid Arthritis And Reveal Unrecognized Aspects Of The Disease

Rheumatoid Patient Foundation to Present Findings at the American College of Rheumatology 2013 Annual Meeting

COCOA, Fla., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rheumatoid Patient Foundation (RPF) announced today that it will be presenting two abstracts with compelling findings on the nature and assessment of rheumatoid disease at the 2013 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) / Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) Annual Scientific Meeting, to be held October 25-30 in San Diego, CA. The data, which was collected through large surveys of patients with rheumatoid disease, will be presented by RPF founder and president, Kelly Young, and abstract co-authors in two poster sessions.

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Findings to be presented include data on disparities that exist between current medical literature and actual experiences of those living with rheumatoid disease – including the concept of "morning stiffness," the relationship between swelling and joint damage, and factors that increase or decrease symptoms. Young notes, "An accurate view of patient experiences with the disease is critically important to improving clinical care and discovering better treatments. Our data show a variety of experiences with the disease, which emphasize the importance of clinicians engaging patients to learn about their condition."

Additional data will be presented examining how the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) gauges fundamental aspects of rheumatoid disease, including the consequences of physical activity as seen in a real-world context. Young explains, "The HAQ is considered the gold standard in RA assessment, but the data show it may not measure essential aspects of disease impact."

Details about each of the poster sessions can be found below.

Poster Title: Patient Survey Challenges Conventional Notions Regarding Symptoms and Experiences Of People Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract: #2273
Presenter: Young, Kelly O'Neill BA
Co-Authors: Crowson, Cynthia S. MS; Symons, Dana M. BBA
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Presenter Available: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Poster Available: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Exhibit Hall B2-C-D

Poster Title: Patient Survey Regarding Utility Of The Health Assessment Questionnaire Reveals An Unrecognized Aspect Of Disease Activity In Rheumatoid Arthritis: Consequences Of Physical Activity

Abstract: #2272
Presenter: Young, Kelly O'Neill BA
Co-Authors: Symons, Dana M. BBA; Lumpe, Andrew T. PhD; Crowson, Cynthia S. MS
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Presenter Available: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Poster Available: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Exhibit Hall B2-C-D 

About the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation

RPF is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with rheumatoid diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis. RPF was founded in 2011 to address a significant lack of disease education, comparatively low levels of research funding, and difficulty obtaining adequate treatment. RPF is committed to creating pathways to better clinical care and disease outcomes through education, awareness, and participation in patient-centered research. For more information, visit http://rheum4us.org or follow RPF on Facebook or Twitter.

Contact:
Kelly Young
321/368-7758
[email protected]

SOURCE Rheumatoid Patient Foundation