Understanding Differences in Patient Descriptions of Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares Using OMERACT Core Domains

Objective: Recently, there has been consensus on domains that constitute flares in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, variations in patients' flare descriptions continue to be observed. This study evaluates how demographic and clinical characteristics influence these differences.

Methods: Participants enrolled in a prospective RA registry completed a qualitative survey that included the open-ended question "What does a flare mean to you?" Responses were categorized into Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core and research domains. Univariate analyses evaluated demographic and clinical characteristics. Regression analyses determined independent variables associated with flare description variations.

Results: Among 645 participants, the median Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) with C-reactive protein was 2.1 (IQR 1.6-2.9); 58% of the participants reported at least 1 flare in the past 6 months. Participants reported a median of 3 (IQR 2-5) OMERACT domains when describing flares. Fatigue was more commonly noted among females (odds ratio [OR] 6.12; P < 0.001). Older participants were less likely to report emotional distress (OR 0.97; P = 0.03), swollen joints (OR 0.99; P = 0.04), physical function decrease (OR 0.98; P = 0.02), and a general increase in RA symptoms (OR 0.98; P = 0.005). Participants with a higher DAS28 score were less likely to report symptoms of stiffness (OR 0.70; P = 0.009), and those who experienced a flare within the last 6 months were more likely to describe flares as pain (OR 2.53; P < 0.001) and fatigue (OR 2.00; P = 0.007).

Conclusion: Variations in patients' flare descriptions can be driven by a patient's disease activity, the experience of a recent flare, as well as different demographic characteristics, such as age and gender. Understanding the interplay of these characteristics can guide a physician's approach to the management of patients' RA flares.