Journal
RHEUMATOLOGY
Volume 60, Issue 7, Pages 3058-3070Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab214
Keywords
multimorbidity; comorbidity; rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatic diseases
Categories
Funding
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre
- Research Into Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis
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This systematic literature review aimed to analyze the terminology used to describe coexisting conditions in the rheumatoid arthritis literature, highlighting the need for a standardized definition of multimorbidity. The study found inconsistent use of the term 'multimorbidity' in the literature, suggesting a need for improved assessment and definition of multimorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
This systematic literature review aimed to analyse terms describing coexisting conditions in the RA literature, informing the need for an operationalized definition of multimorbidity. Articles discussing RA with multimorbidity, published 1946 until August 2020, were identified. The primary outcome was the use and/or definition of 'multimorbidity' in RA. Information extracted included terms defining coexisting conditions, the use of a comorbidity/multimorbidity score and the use of 'index disease' to describe RA (more applicable to comorbidity than multimorbidity). Thirty-nine articles were included. Eight articles used the term 'multimorbidity', 18 used 'comorbidity' and 12 used both terms, 7 synonymously. One used no term. Fourteen articles fully defined the term. The number of co-existing conditions described in included studies was one-121. Twelve articles used a comorbidity/multimorbidity score. Four articles described RA as the 'index disease'. Our results demonstrate inconsistent use of the term multimorbidity. Improved assessment of multimorbidity is indicated in RA patients, including an operationalized use and definition.
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