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 regrading their effects on patients with RA in the workplace. Recent studies of adalimuamab showed positive impacts across a range of workplace burdens. |
Conclusions |
Treatments such as adalimuamab 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 |