Morning Stiffness Correlates with Disease Activity, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels in Patients with Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction. Morning stiffness (MS) is the hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and it has important implications on daily life of the patients. There are conflicting reports of its association with disease activity. Methods. This observational study included 125 patients with seropositive RA from Health Care Center, Visoko. We obtained data on patient’s gender and age, duration of RA, pain in hands and feet, MS and its duration, hospital admission, blood pressure, laboratory values and treatment modalities. Results. MS lasted up to 30 minutes in 71 (56.8%) patients, 30 to 60 minutes in 40 (32%) patients, and more than 60 minutes in 14 (11.2%) patients. There was no difference in the duration of MS between genders. Patients with longer MS were younger and had a longer duration of illness. Patients with MS longer than 30 minutes had higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. ESR in the second hour and CRP correlated with a duration of MS. Patients on methotrexate had a longer duration of MS. No significant differences in the duration of MS were observed for leflunomide, corticosteroids and supportive treatment modalities. Conclusion. Duration of MS correlates with RA disease activity and remains an important burden for patients. Usage of newer treatment options, such as biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), may be required. Keywords: biomarkers, disease activity, rheumatoid arthritis.