# PRAISE-H study exploring real-world challenges faced by reproductive-age patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan

## TL;DR

The PRAISE-H study tracks reproductive-age rheumatoid arthritis patients in Japan to understand their daily challenges and pregnancy-related experiences.

## Contribution

PRAISE-H introduces a Japan-wide registry capturing real-world patient experiences and financial challenges related to rheumatoid arthritis during reproductive years.

## Key findings

- 62% of women in the study expressed current or future pregnancy intentions.
- Patients receiving biologic drugs experienced significant financial toxicity.

## Abstract

We explored the design and preliminary findings of the Pregnancy and Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry (PRAISE-H), a Japan-wide prospective registry of reproductive-age patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that captures challenges in daily life and complements large database research. PRAISE-H is a nationwide multicentre prospective observational study in which physician assessments and patient-reported outcomes are collected biannually via REDCap over 5 years, with dedicated follow-up during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. As of November 2024, 100 patients (90 women and 10 men) had been registered, and 77 patients (70 women and seven men) were under follow-up. Preliminary analyses showed that 62% of women expressed current or future pregnancy intention. In addition, substantial financial toxicity was observed, particularly among patients receiving biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). By emphasizing patients' experiences in everyday environments, PRAISE-H provides insights beyond the scope of conventional database studies. These findings may inform clinical guidelines and health policy initiatives aimed at improving the management of RA in women of childbearing age. Although bDMARDs are increasingly considered viable treatment options during pregnancy, their associated financial consequences warrant further investigation.