Frequency of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Effects on Quality of Life in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: To investigate the frequency of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate its possible effects on quality of life (QoL). Material and Methods: A total of 104 women diagnosed with RA, who were aged between 30 and 60 years, and 82 healthy women were included in this study. We used the American Urological Association symptom index as the gold criteria in the evaluation of LUTS and QoL. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate anxiety/depression levels, whereas disease activity scale (DAS-28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used to determine the disease activity levels. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups by means of age range. There was a prominent difference in LUTS frequency between the groups and moderate to severe symptoms were higher in women with RA. QoL measurements were also significantly lower in this group (p<0.01). There was a positive relationship between anxiety and LUTS and significantly positive relationship between depression and LUTS measurement (p<0.01). There was a positive relationship between depression and QoL; however, there was no relationship between anxiety and QoL measurements. Although there was no relationship between LUTS and DAS-28, significant relationship was found between LUTS and HAQ. There was no relationship between QoL and DAS-28; however, there was a significant relationship between QoL and HAQ (p<0.01). Conclusion: LUTS were more frequent in women with RA; furthermore, QoL was low. Furthermore, these symptoms can be related with anxiety and depression. Moderate and severe symptoms observed in women with RA are frequently related with HAQ.