Introduction: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the loss of body cell mass is observed, known as rheumatoid cachexia. Cachexia is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality of RA patients.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of chronic inflammation and disease activity on nutritional status in RA patients.
Patients and methods: In 140 patients with RA (111 women, 29 men), RA activity was measured using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and using the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (M-HAQ). The nutritional status was assessed with the following parameters: serum albumin and total cholesterol (TC), body mass index (BMI), hand-grip strength (HGS), and tricipital skinfold thickness.
Results: There was a significant association between the parameters of nutritional status and the markers of inflammatory disease activity (number of swollen and tender joints, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin) and physical disability (M-HAQ). Swollen joint count and M-HAQ were inversely correlated with several nutritional parameters. In patients with high disease activity, significantly lower HGS and serum albumin levels were observed. Advanced stages of the disease (erosive and/or long-standing RA) were associated with lower HGS and higher TC levels.
Conclusions: The nutritional status of RA patients is determined by the intensity of chronic inflammatory process observed in the course of the disease and by disease duration.