Rheumatoid arthritis in women: Incidence rates in group health cooperative, seattle, washington, 1987–1989

Abstract

As part of a prospective case‐control study of newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in women, we identified all cases of probable, definite, or classic RA diagnosed in 1987–1989 in 18–64‐year‐old women who were members of a health maintenance organization based in the Seattle, Washington area. Using both the 1958 and the 1987 American Rheumatism Association criteria for the diagnosis of RA and enrollment data from the health maintenance organization, we calculated the incidence by age and diagnostic class. Rates of RA incidence in women increased steadily with age. The incidence of probable, definite, or classic RA ranged from 13.1 per 100,000 person‐years at risk for 18–29‐year‐old women to 82.1 per 100,000 person‐years for 60–64‐year‐old women. The overall incidence rate, age‐adjusted to the 1980 US female population, was 27.9/100,000 person‐years. The overall incidence rate for definite/classic RA, age‐adjusted to the 1980 US female population, was 23.9 per 100,000 person‐years. When compared with adjusted rates of incidence of definite RA in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1950–1974, the incidence rates we found were 44.7% lower. Methodologic differences, changes in diagnostic criteria, and a declining incidence of RA among women over time may all be partial explanations for these results. The possible effects of reproductive factors, including oral contraceptives use, are discussed.

Pulmonary function test: its correlation with pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“…The RA prevalence has been demonstrated to be close to 0.5-2%, and is an important cause for functional incapacity, as well as greater medical costs, for people in productive ages [1,2]. Extra-articular manifestations are also common and could be related to the evolution time or severity of the initial disease.…”

Timing of rehabilitation on length of stay and cost in patients with hip or knee joint arthroplasty: A systematic review with meta-analysis

“…It is characterized by destruction of the cartilage and synovial lining of multiple joints in the musculoskeletal system, which often leads to pain and functional loss [13]. RA costs an average of $2,085 a year per patient, with combined direct and indirect costs averaging $3,200 per patient each year in the US [14–17]. In addition, individuals with RA are 40% more likely to report their health as fair or poor, and 30% more likely to require assistance with daily personal care [18].…”

Pregnancy and autoimmune connective tissue disorders

“…It is known to affect around 1% of the population and shows predominance (2.5 to 1) in females 26 . Therefore it is often encountered in routine obstetric practice.…”