Burden of disease, pain catastrophizing, and central sensitization in relation to work-related issues in young spondyloarthritis patients

Introduction: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a common rheumatic inflammatory disease and can impact patients' work productivity. We aimed to evaluate the impact of pain catastrophizing and central sensitization on work outcomes in young SpA patients and determine the predictive factors of work productivity loss. Material and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study over 6 months. We included patients aged between 18 and 50 years old, diagnosed with axial or peripheral SpA. Pain catastrophizing and central sensitization were assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) questionnaire, respectively. Impact of SpA on work productivity and activity impairment during and outside of work was measured with the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI: Spondyloarthritis). Results: A total of 72 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 39 years (28.3-46), 65.3% men, and 54.4% working patients. Median scores of activity impairment outside of work, and work productivity loss were 50% (40-70), and 50% (40-60), respectively. Median absenteeism and presenteeism scores were 0% (IQR 0-7), and 100% (IQR 86.5-100), respectively. Regarding work-related outcomes: activity impairment was positively correlated with CSI and PCS; presenteeism was significantly associated with male sex (p = 0.009); and work productivity loss was positively associated with anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life. Multivariate regression analysis identified predictive factors of work productivity loss: male sex, poor quality of life, and prolonged morning stiffness. Conclusions:Assessment of the impact of pain catastrophizing and central sensitization on work-related outcomes in patients with SpA is important to understand the burden of illness and to identify early those in need of interventions in clinical practice.