The Effects of the Ramadan Month of Fasting on Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate possible effects of Ramadan month of fasting on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Patients and methods: Between January 2010 and December 2011, 71 patients with RA who were scheduled for follow-up visit before Ramadan month and at two months after Ramadan month were retrospectively analyzed. The fasting cohort (n=39) and non-fasting cohort (n=32) were compared using the Disease Activity score 28 (DAS 28) and the patients' dietary habits both before and during Ramadan month.

Results: In the fasting group, the mean DAS 28 score before Ramadan month was higher than for afterwards, however, this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Clinical symptoms of morning stiffness and fatigue were found in fewer patients after Ramadan month, however, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant reduction in morning stiffness (p=0.001) and functional class (p=0.011) after Ramadan in the fasting group. The intake of high-calorie foods was not statistically significant (p=0.022) in this group.

Conclusion: Fasting lowers the mean DAS 28 in RA patients. Furthermore, dietary changes do not significantly affect RA disease activity in fasting patients.