Objective: This study aims to assess changes in pain, fatigue, and disease activity in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (spondyloarthritis (SpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)) and non-inflammatory rheumatic diseases (nIRD) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to understand the potential impact of the pandemic on the disease.

Material and Method: In this retrospective observational study, patients who applied to the Karadeniz University Faculty of Medicine rheumatology clinic and met the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria for SpA and ACR/EULAR Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification Criteria for RA were included. Non-inflammatory rheumatologic patients (nIRH) were also included. After obtaining ethical approval, demographic characteristics and pre- and postpandemic data on disease activities, pain, fatigue, and global assessment scores by both patients and physicians were recorded.

Results: In SpA patients (n: 75, age: 44.4±12.4 years), a significant increase in pain, global patient assessment, and disease activity was observed after the pandemic. However, in RA patients (n: 30, age: 48±12.7 years), there was no significant change in disease activity in pre- and postpandemic comparisons. In the nIRH group (n: 83, age: 44.7±15.3 years), an increase in pain and fatigue scores was observed after the pandemic.

Conclusion: The findings highlight an increased disease activity in SpA patients after the pandemic, while RA patients show no significant change. Among nIRH, an increase in pain and fatigue scores was observed after the pandemic. These results contribute significantly to understanding the challenges posed by the pandemic in managing rheumatologic diseases and developing effective interventions for future healthcare planning.