Abstract Background/Aims Rheumatoid arthritis is a joint condition caused by inflammation. Fasting has been connected in certain studies to a decrease in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28). The impact of fasting during Ramadan on lipid profiles varies. Evaluating the impact of fasting on RA patients and its correlation with lipid profile and disease activity was the goal of the investigation. Methods This is a prospective cohort study that was carried out between March 2023 and June 2024 in Kurdistan. Patients with RA were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected for ESR, CRP, fasting serum triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL, and total cholesterol. Anthropometric measurements were recorded before (T1) and after Ramadan (T2). Disease activity scores (DAS28- ESR based on 28-joint count) were calculated at baseline and followed up for two months post-Ramadan. Results A total of 154 individuals were enrolled, 86 of whom were fasting, as well as 68 of whom were not. After two months, 45 participants in the fasting group and 41 in the non-fasting group completed the study. Anthropometric measurements showed no significant differences except for hip circumference, which increased significantly in both groups. LDL levels were dramatically lower in the fasting group. There was no significant difference between the two groups for DAS28. Patient Health Assessment score decreased significantly in the fasting group. Conclusion Hip circumference increased significantly in both groups. LDL levels were also significantly lower in the fasting group compared to the non-fasting group. There was no significant difference in DAS28 score between the two groups. Disclosure A.M. Jalal: None. N. Albarzinji: None. H. Ahmed: None.
Jalal et al. (Wed,) studied this question.