The prevalence of RA in Kinshasa is 0.6 and 0.9% in people aged >18 years. Disease activity was high, but RF and ACPA positivity was not frequent. The Kongo seems to be the most affected linguistic group.

The aim of the present retrospective and hospital-based study was to describe epidemiological and clinical features of rheumatic diseases in patients attending the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK). Rheumatic complaint was a reason for consultation in 12.1% of outpatients attending the Department of Internal Medicine of the UHK. Osteoarthritis was the most common rheumatic disease (59.2%), followed by soft tissue rheumatism (16.1%), gout (9.3%), and spondylarthropathies (7.5%). The cumulative frequency of autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, and mixed connective tissues disease) and the frequency of osteoporosis were 5.2 and 2.7%, respectively. Lumbar spine was the part of the skeleton mostly affected by osteoarthritis. Pathological fractures in osteoporosis, subcutaneous nodules, rheumatoid factor, and erosive bone lesions in rheumatoid arthritis were rarely found. Compared to the previous studies performed in the same hospital, our results disclose a threefold increase of rheumatic outpatients. The paucity of erosive arthritis and extra-articular manifestations suggest the less severity of rheumatoid arthritis in our patients. Likewise, the absence of femoral and wrist osteoporotic fractures and the scarcity of advanced vertebral crush fractures suggest the mildness of osteoporosis.

IntroductionLittle is known about rheumatoid arthritis in the black, particularly in Congolese, populations. Our objective was to describe the phenotype and genotype of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Congolese.MethodsAll consecutive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients attending Kinshasa University Hospital in a three-year time period were included. Demographics, clinical features and tobacco consumption were noted. Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28 based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (CCP) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined. Radiographs were scored according to Sharp-van der Heijde. On a subset of patients and controls HLA-DRB1 typing was performed.ResultsA total of 114 females and 14 males aged 51.2 ± 14.9 were included. Mean duration of symptoms was four years. Moderate tobacco consumption was reported in a minority of patients. DAS-28 at first visit was >5.1 and HAQ ≥0.5 in all patients. X-rays showed joint erosions and/or joint space narrowing, mostly of a moderate grade in 55.8% of patients. Anti-CCP and/or RF were present in 48.6% of patients with available data (n = 72) and in 3.0% of controls (n = 67). Radiographic changes and nodules were more frequent in RF or anti-CCP positive patients. One copy of the shared epitope was found in 13 patients (35.1%) and 3 controls (12.5%). Two copies were found in one patient (2.7%) and in one control (4.2%).ConclusionCongolese patients with RA consult long after disease onset. Despite this delay, the majority presents without major damage and is RF, anti-CCP and SE negative. We put forward the hypothesis that besides different environmental factors there is probably also a particular genetic risk profile in Congolese patients, different from the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope.

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to describe the clinical and radiological features of knee osteoarthritis in Congolese outpatients attending the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK).MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in the rheumatology unit of the UHK from January to August 2012. Patients were consecutively recruited. The diagnosis of Osteoarthritis (OA) was based on the criteria of the American College for Rheumatology. Demographic, clinical and x-rays data were collected. The X-rays severity was assessed according to Kellgren and Lawrence's method.Results1049 patients attended the Rheumatology unit of the UHK during the study period. An accurate diagnosis was reported for 839 patients, of whom 376 (44.8%) suffered from OA. Knee OA was diagnosed in 118 patients (31.4% of all OA patients). 101 patients accepted to be included in the study, 78 women (77.2%) and 23 men (22.8%). Their average age was 58.9 ± 10 years. A body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25kg/m2 was observed in 68 patients of whom 28 were obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2). The main symptoms were a mechanical pain (100%), swelling (40.6%), crepitus (79.2%) and mobility reduction (X%). Knee deformities were observed in some patients. At baseline, radiological damages > stage 2 of Kellgren-Lawrence were found in 70 patients.ConclusionKnee OA is a common disease among outpatients who attend the unit of Rheumatology of the UHK. Its clinical profile is the same as what is reported in the literature. Obesity and skeletal abnormalities are encountered in the majority of patients.