• Suzanne M M Verstappen.
• Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southamptom, Southamptom, UK. Electronic address: suzanne.verstappen@manchester.ac.uk.
• Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015 Jun 1; 29 (3): 495-511.

AbstractFor patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being in paid work is very important, and it increases self-esteem and financial independence. Although the management of RA has changed in the last 15 years to early aggressive treatment and the introduction of biologic treatments, many patients still have to take sick leave or even stop working because of their RA (i.e., absenteeism). For those remaining in paid work, patients may experience problems due to RA resulting in productivity loss while at work (i.e., presenteeism). The costs attributed to absenteeism and presenteeism (i.e., indirect costs) have been estimated to be very high, and they even exceed direct costs. However, there is no consensus on how to calculate these costs. This manuscript examines the relationship between the use of biologic therapy and absenteeism, with a focus on sick leave, and on presenteeism, and it provides an overview of indirect costs of absenteeism and presenteeism in those treated with biologic therapies.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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