Journal Article Details

Citation:
Birnbaum, H., Shi, L., Pike, C., Kaufman, R., Sun, P., & Cifaldi, M. (2009). Workplace impacts of anti-TNF therapies in rheumatoid arthritis: review of the literature. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10 (2), 255-269.
Title:
Workplace impacts of anti-TNF therapies in rheumatoid arthritis: review of the literature
Authors:
Birnbaum, H., Shi, L., Pike, C., Kaufman, R., Sun, P., & Cifaldi, M.
Year:
2009
Journal/Publication: 
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Publisher:
Informa Healthcare
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
No
Research design:
Systematic review / meta-analysis

Structured abstract:

Background:
Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and serious functional impacts and substantially affects patients' daily lives, including their ability to work.
Purpose:
The purpose of the paper is to examine recent studies of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis treated with TNF antagonists and the impacts these therapies have on the workplace.
Setting:
This study is a systematic review. The included studies were undertaken in various locations and settings.
Study sample:
The sample included 133 articles and 14 poster abstracts that studied the impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Intervention:
The intervention was medical treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis including TNF antagonists and DMARDs.
Control or comparison condition:
There were no comparison or control conditions.
Data collection & analysis:
The studies were categorized into three distinct groups: general RA, DMARD, and TNF-antagonist literature. The general RA literature was used as a backdrop when examining literature regarding the impacts of DMARDs and the emergence of anti-TNF therapies on the workplace.
Findings:
The results of early studies of the TNF antagonists varied regrading their effects on patients with RA in the workplace. Recent studies of adalimuamab showed positive impacts across a range of workplace burdens.
Conclusions:
Treatments such as adalimuamab may help employees with RA to remain in the workforce and lead to reduced workplace costs to the employers and employees.
Disabilities served:
Arthritis
Populations served:
Gender: Female and Male
Interventions:
Medication
Outcomes:
Employment acquisition
Increase in tenure