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Published on: May 16, 2025
Biological Therapies in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Integrative Review of Their Effects on Pain, Sleep, Physical
Mohammad M Alnaeem1, Hiba Ahmad Al-Jibrini2, Mohammad A Abu Sabra3
1Adult Health Nursing, Palliative Care and Pain Management Program, School of Nursing, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, 11733, Jordan.
Purpose:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain, sleep disturbance, and physical activity impairments, significantly impacting patients' quality of life (QoL). Biological therapies, targeting specific inflammatory pathways, have emerged as effective interventions for managing RA symptoms and disease progression. This integrative review explored the effects of biological therapies on pain management, physical activity, sleep quality, and QoL in adult patients with RA, emphasizing their role in improving patient outcomes.
Design:
An integrative review was conducted as outlined by Whittemore and Knafl.
Methods:
This methodology allows for the inclusion of diverse study designs to comprehensively synthesize the literature. Data from all sources were analyzed thematically to identify consistent findings and overarching insights into the effects of biological therapies on RA-related outcomes.
Results:
A total of 21 studies with diverse designs-including observational studies, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and reviews-were included, with sample sizes ranging from 33 to 1,651 participants. Biological therapies demonstrated significant benefits in reducing pain, improved joint function, and enhanced mobility by alleviating fatigue and stiffness. Sleep quality improved through reductions in nocturnal discomfort and disease activity. Overall, biological therapies produced marked improvements in health-related QoL across physical, psychological, and social domains by lowering disease burden and associated emotional distress such as anxiety and depression.
Conclusion:
Biological therapies represent a transformative advancement in RA management, providing targeted control of inflammation that alleviates pain, improves functional ability, enhances sleep quality, and elevates overall QoL.
Clinical Implications:
These findings underscore the essential role of nurses in delivering evidence-based, holistic care through assessment, education, and adherence support in order to optimize outcomes for patients receiving biologic therapy.
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