A regular tipple may ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Published on Tuesday 27 July 2010 13:56

DRINKING alcohol reduces the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a pioneering new study has revealed.

Scientists discovered that sufferers who enjoy a regular tipple are less susceptible to the ravages of the debilitating disease.

It is the first time experts have found a link between the amount of alcohol consumed and the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Results showed that teetotallers were four times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who drank alcohol on more than ten days a month.

The study, published in the journal Rheumatology, looked at 873 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compared them with 1,004 people without the disease.

Dr James Maxwell, a leading NHS arthritis consultant, said: "We found that patients who had drunk alcohol most frequently had symptoms that were less severe than those who had never drunk alcohol or only drunk it infrequently.

"X-rays showed there was less damage to joints, blood tests showed lower levels of inflammation, and there was less joint pain, swelling and disability.

"This is the first time that a dose-dependent inverse association between frequency of alcohol consumption and severity of rheumatoid arthritis has been shown in humans."

Gerry Wilson, professor of rheumatology at the University of Sheffield and Dr Maxwell, who is also a senior clinical lecturer at the university, led the study. Participants were asked how often they had drunk alcohol in the month preceding their inclusion in the study.

They then completed a detailed questionnaire, had X-rays and blood tests, and an experienced research nurse examined their joints.

Dr Maxwell and his colleagues also found that non-drinkers were four times more likely to develop RA than people who drank alcohol on more than ten days a month.

The risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis decreased according to the frequency of alcohol consumption.

Dr Maxwell added: "There is some evidence to show that alcohol suppresses the activity of the immune system, and that this may influence the pathways by which rheumatoid arthritis develops.

"We do know the changes in the immune system that lead to rheumatoid arthritis happen months and maybe even years before the arthritis actually develops. Once someone has developed RA, it's possible the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of alcohol may play a role in reducing the severity of symptoms.

"Further research is needed to confirm the results of our study.

"It is possible that different types of alcoholic drinks may have different effects on rheumatoid arthritis."

Dr Maxwell said there were limitations to the study's methodology, but the results suggested drinking alcohol influenced both the risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis.