CENTRAL SENSITIZATION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYTIC STUDY

Abstract Aim: Here, we analyzed the relationship between central sensitization (CS) and neuropathic pain in disease activity in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods: In our study, 116 RA patients diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 criteria were included. Central sensitization inventory (CSI) was used for central sensitization. All patients were questioned regarding central sensitization syndromes. Self-Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptom and signs (S-LANNS) and pain-detect questionnaire were used for the presence of neuropathic pain. Results: The study included 90 female and 26 male RA patients with a mean age of 50.8 ± 12.7 years. Central sensitization was detected in 56% (N = 65) of the participants and neuropathic pain was detected in 60.3% (N = 70). The mean central sensitization score was 41.9 ± 19.3; S_LANSS score was 13.8 ± 7.6; the Pain detect score was 15.4 ± 8.6. When we divided the group according to CSI ≥ 40, we observed high visual analog scale (VAS) score, high disease activity score (DAS28), high restless leg syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, high number of CS syndromes, high neuropathic pain presence and scores (S_LANSS and pain detect) in central sensitization group. Conclusions: Central sensitization and neuropathic pain are common in patients with RA and correlated with disease activity. For this reason, neuropathic pain and sensitization should be considered in the treatment management of RA patients.