Retrospective Assessment of Geriatric Patients Applying to the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The geriatric population around the world is rapidly increasing. Rheumatology outpatient clinics are among the frequently visited units by the geriatric population. In this study, our aim is to investigate the characteristics, complaints and diagnoses of the patients applying to a rheumatology outpatient clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients who applied to the rheumatology outpatient clinic between 01.10.2020 - 01.10.2022 were retrospectively searched on the hospital’s electronic file system. Patients over 65 years old were included in this study. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was found 71.5±4.83. 70% of the patients included in the study were female and 30% were male. The most prevalent reason to visit the outpatient clinic was pain. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis were the most prevalent diagnosis among the patients. CONCLUSIONS: While the most prevalent diagnosis in the rheumatology outpatient clinic was degenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis was the most prevalent diagnosis among inflammatory rheumatism diseases.