INFO - Clinical course of RA

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s Hopkins Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Presentation

Excerpt:

Clinical Course

The course of rheumatoid arthritis cannot be predicted in a given

patient. Several patterns of activity have been described:

a spontaneous remission particularly in the seronegative patient

within the first 6 months of symptoms (less than 10%)

recurrent explosive attacks followed by periods of quiescence most

commonly in the early phases

the usual pattern of persistent and progressive disease activity that

waxes and wanes in intensity.

Disability is higher among patients with rheumatoid arthritis with 60%

being unable to work 10 years after the onset of their disease. Recent

studies have demonstrated an increased mortality in rheumatoid

patients. Median life expectancy was shortened an average of 7 years

for men and 3 years for women compared to control populations. In more

than 5000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis from four centers, the

mortality rate was two times greater than in the control population.

Patients at higher risk for shortened survival are those with systemic

extra-articular involvement, low functional capacity, low

socioeconomic status, low education, and prednisone use.

http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheum_clin_\

pres.html

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