[Perception of sexuality in women with rheumatic disease: case-control pilot study]

Rheumatic diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation with systemic involvement and are often accompanied by functional limitation and depression. Their effect on sexual response has been little studied. The objective of the present study was to evaluate perception of sexuality in women with rheumatic disease.

We administered a questionnaire that included general data, socioeconomic aspects, disease characteristics, serum markers of inflammation and measured perception of sexuality, depression traits and self-esteem.

Sixteen patients were interviewed, of which nine had rheumatoid arthritis, six had systemic lupus erythematosus and one had psoriatic arthritis. Twentyfive women were selected as controls. All patients were receiving treatment and had a functional class that allowed them to be self-dependent. Patients presented a worse perception of sexuality than controls (p=0.001) with a trend to more depressive traits and lower self-esteem.

Patients with rheumatic disease gain benefits from treatment in terms of quality of life and functionality. Perception of sexuality is affected by chronic inflammatory disease but is independent of the patient's functional class.