Workplace impacts of anti-TNF therapies in rheumatoid arthritis: review of the literature

Authors: Blake, J., Brooks, J., Greenbaum, H., Chan, F.
Year Published 2009
Publication Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Volume 10
Number 2
Pages 255-269
Publisher Informa Healthcare
Background

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and serious functional impacts and substantially affects patients' daily lives, including their ability to work.

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine recent studies of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with TNF antagonists and the impacts these therapies have on the workplace.

Setting

This study is a systematic review. The included studies were undertaken in various locations and settings.

Sample

The sample included 133 articles and 14 poster abstracts that studied the impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Data Collection

The studies were categorized into three distinct groups: general RA, DMARD, and TNF-antagonist literature. The general RA literature was used as a backdrop when examining literature regarding the impacts of DMARDs and the emergence of anti-TNF therapies on the workplace.

Control

There were no comparison or control conditions.

Findings

The results of early studies of the TNF antagonists varied regarding their effects on patients with RA in the workplace. Recent studies of adalimumab showed positive impacts across a range of workplace burdens.

Conclusions

Treatments such as adalimumab may help employees with RA to remain in the workforce and lead to reduced workplace costs to the employers and employees.

URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19236197
Disabilities
Populations Male & Female
Outcomes Employment acquisition | Increase in tenure
NIDILRR Funded
Research Design Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
Peer Reviewed Yes