Survey finds one third of RA patients hide extent of symptoms

New research highlighting the devastating impact of rheumatoid arthritis on peoples' lives has found that one third of people with RA do not always tell their health care professionals the true extent of their symptoms. When asked why, 19% of respondents to a recent poll conducted by ICM confessed that they were worried about having their treatment taken away and one in four admitted that they were worried that there might not be any other treatment options available.

Andrew Ostor, consultant rheumatologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK, said: "these findings make for worrying reading. We know the key to effective disease management is open and honest communication between patients and their clinician and these results suggest this isn't happening, leaving patients in unnecessary pain. There are a variety of treatments available, including recently-approved therapies such as rituximab which targets the B-cells in the inflammatory cascade. It should be within the grasp of all people with RA to have their disease effectively managed." Sue Oliver, a UK nurse consultant in rheumatology, added: "we need to make sure we are encouraging patients to talk openly about their symptoms."