Predictive factors for work‐day loss in Behçet's syndrome: A multi‐center study. (19th December 2019) - Mumcu, Gonca
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this multi‐center study was to assess predictive factors for work‐day loss as an indirect cost element in Behçet's syndrome (BS). Methods: In this cross‐sectional, multi‐center study, 834 BS patients (F/M: 441/393, age mean: 38.4 ± 10.9 years) were included. Data were collected by a questionnaire regarding treatment protocols, disease duration, smoking pattern, frequency of medical visits during the previous year and self‐reported work‐day loss during the previous year. Results: Work‐day loss was observed in 16.2% of patients (M/F: 103/32). The percentages of being a smoker (81.8%), using immunosuppressive (IS) medications (82%), and having disease duration <5 years (74%) were higher in male patients with work‐day loss ( P < .05). The majority of males (90.9%) had more than four clinic visits during the previous year. Moreover, the mean work‐day loss (30.8 ± 57.7 days) was higher in patients with vascular involvement (56.1 ± 85.9) than those without (26.4 ± 50.6 days) ( P = .046). In addition, increased frequency of ocular involvement (25.9%) was also observed in patients with work‐day loss compared to others (8.6%) ( P = .059). Conclusion: Work‐day loss was associated with both vascular and ocular involvement. Close associations were observed among male gender, early period of the disease, frequent medical visits, being a smoker and treatment with IS medications in patients with work‐day loss.