Researchers in Austria have found that say rheumatoid arthritis remission provides superior outcomes across socioeconomic categories such as productivity and quality of life.

It has been reported that lead author Dr. Helga Radner of the Medical University Vienna and colleagues found significant improvements in quality of life in those in remission vs. those with low disease activity. The study said that overall activity impairment and physical disability were greater in those with low disease activity.

Radner said in a statement, "The findings reveal that remission is even superior to an almost perfect disease activity state, namely low-disease activity, therefore our major task in treating rheumatoid arthritis patients should be its achievement and maintenance."

Radner and colleagues said the study involved 356 patients, 34 who were in remission and 66 with low disease activity.

It has further been reported that the findings were presented in Rome at the annual congress of the European League Against Rheumatism. (With inputs from Agencies)