Comorbidities and extra-articular manifestations of Rheumatoid arthritis in sub-Saharian Africa

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic auto-immune disorder that preferentially affects the joints. Extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities observed during rheumatoid arthritis are multiple and frequent. They are the cause of high morbidity and mortality in this population and make rheumatoid arthritis serious. Systematic screening for the extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities is therefore necessary in order to optimize its management in affected subjects. The various studies carried out on rheumatoid arthritis in developing countries have explored less the extra-articular manifestations as well as the comorbidities. This work reviews the literature on the extra-articular manifestations as well as the comorbidities encountered in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis in Sub saharia Africa in order to draw the attention of the nursing medical staff to their extent in order with a view to systematic screening and treatment.