Central sensitivity syndrome affects the disease activity index and treatment satisfaction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Aim Many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients prioritize pain improvement in treatment. As pain can result from various causes, including noninflammatory factors such as central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), we hypothesized that CSS might impact treatment satisfaction. In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed the CSS effects on clinical disease activity and treatment satisfaction in RA patients. Methods In total, 220 consecutive RA patients receiving long‐term follow‐up were evaluated for clinical disease activity and treatment satisfaction. CSS was evaluated using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). An overall score of ≥40 indicates the presence of CSS. We queried “How satisfied are you with your treatment?”; answers included (a) very satisfied, (b) satisfied, (c) not satisfied, or (d) very dissatisfied. For univariate analysis, we condensed these answers into “dissatisfied” or “satisfied.” We also evaluated treatment satisfaction using the visual analog scale (VAS), with scores ranging from 0 mm (very dissatisfied) to 100 mm (very satisfied). Results Of the 220 patients, 17 (7.7%) were classified as having CSS. CSI score was significantly correlated with the clinical disease activity index (CDAI; r = .322, p < .01) and treatment satisfaction ( r = −.336, p < .01). Regarding treatment satisfaction, univariate analysis revealed that patient global assessment (PtGA), pain VAS, Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index (HAQ‐DI), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints with C‐reactive protein, CDAI, and CSI scores of patients who were satisfied with treatment differed significantly from those of dissatisfied patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that CSI, PtGA, and HAQ‐DI scores were associated with treatment satisfaction. Conclusion In RA patients, CSS may affect the disease activity index and reduce treatment satisfaction.