The Incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the United Kingdom: Results From the Norfolk Arthritis Register

Abstract

This paper provides the first data on the incidence of RA based on a prospective population-based register. All new cases of inflammatory polyarthritis in the Norwich Health Authority are notified by general practitioners to the Norfolk Arthritis Register. The patients are then clinically evaluated by metrologists and blood taken for RF estimation. Cases of RA were defined as all those notified with an onset of symptoms in 1990; who presented by 31 December 1991; and who satisfied the 1987 ARA criteria for RA at the time of presentation. Two hundred and ten patients were notified in the defined time-frame, of whom 104 were classified as having RA. The annual incidence rate was 36/100,000 for women and 14/100,000 for men. RA was rare in men aged under 45 yr. The incidence in men rose steeply with age. The incidence in women rose up to age 45 yr, plateaued to age 75 yr, and fell in the very elderly.

The relationship between oral contraceptive use and functional outcome in women with recent‐onset inflammatory polyarthritis: Results from the Norfolk Arthritis Register

“…The Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR) is an inception cohort of patients with recent-onset IP presenting to a physician with Ն2 swollen joints persisting for Ն4 weeks. A detailed description of the register has been published elsewhere (1).…”

“…The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is higher among women than among men (1), and the impact of female-specific factors on incidence and outcome in RA may hold an important key to understanding this complex disease. The ameliorating effect of pregnancy on RA symptoms has been long documented (2).…”

Baseline levels of c‐reactive protein and prediction of death from cardiovascular disease in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis : A ten‐year followup study of a primary care–based inception cohort

“…Subjects were recruited from the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR), a primary care-based incidence register of IP, the details of which have been described elsewhere (19). Briefly, all subjects residing within the NOAR catchment area who attend their primary care physician and have synovitis affecting 2 or more peripheral joints and lasting for 4 or more weeks are eligible for inclusion.…”

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to but not severity of inflammatory polyarthritis

“…Details of the case ascertainment procedure have been described in more detail previously. 19 Briefly, all cases with IP (defined as swelling of two or more joints lasting for four or more weeks) within the region formerly known as the Norwich Health Authority are notified and assessed by a research nurse using a standard questionnaire and examination. Baseline clinical data are recorded and blood taken for RF measurement and DNA extraction.…”