Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic, inflammatory and erosive joint disease. Due the systemic effect mediated by increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, RA patients often present changes in body composition. Sarcopenia, obesity, and rheumatoid cachexia (sarcopenic obesity) are often observed in RA patients. On other hand, classical cachexia in RA is rarely observed. All these conditions are associated with increased healthcare costs, functional disability, poorer quality of life and increased mortality. During the last 2 decades several disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) have been used to minimize disease activity and delay joint destruction, markedly improving outcomes. However, the impact of these drugs on the altered body composition has not been adequately studied. While glucocorticoid has well known negative impact on muscle mass, limited data indicate that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors seem to be more associated with increased fat mass and tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor might increase lean mass. However, the observed effects seem to be limited, stressing the importance of additional effective measures, such as regular strength exercises and adequate nutrition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Body Composition, Sarcopenia, Cachexia, Pharmacological Treatment