- The prevalence of RA in urban settings in South Africa is estimated to be around 2.5% versus 0.07% in rural settings2
- Onset usually occurs between 30- to 50-years3
- Women are more likely to develop RA than men3
- RA is most likely triggered by a combination of factors, including an abnormal autoimmune response, genetic susceptibility, and some environmental or biologic trigger, such as a viral infection or hormonal changes4,5,6,7,8
- Morning stiffness that lasts for at least an hour is associated with RA. Stiffness from osteoarthritis, in contrast, usually clears up within half an hour1
- RA with a symptom duration of fewer than six months is defined as early RA, and when the symptoms have been present for more than six months, it is defined as established RA1
- The inflamed joints are usually swollen and often feel warm and ‘boggy’ (spongy) when touched. Pain often occurs on both sides of the body (symmetrically) but may be more severe on one side of the body, depending on which hand the person uses more often1
- The treatment of patients with RA requires both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. The standard of care is early treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
- Non-pharmacological support includes physical therapy, counselling, and patient education1
- If the treatment target is not achieved with the first conventional synthetic DMARD strategy orwhen poor prognostic factors are present, a biological DMARD should be added. Janus kinase inhibitors may be considered9
REFERENCES
- Chauhan K, et al. Rheumatoid Arthritis. [Updated 2022 Jun 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441999/
- Usenbo A, et al. Prevalence of Arthritis in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One, 2015.
- South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association. Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://saraa.co.za/rheumatoid-arthritis/
- Korczowska I. Rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility genes: An overview. World of Orthopaedics, 2014.
- Gerosa M, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis: a female challenge. Women’s Health (Lond), 2008.
- Lucchino C, et al. Dietary Habits and Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can Diet Influence Disease Development and Clinical Manifestations? Nutrients, 2020.
- Chang K, et al. Smoking and rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Mol Sci, 2014.
- Deane KD et al. Genetic and environmental risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol, 2018.
- Smolen JS, et al. Update of the EULAR recommendations on the management of rheumatoid arthritis. 2022 EULAR Recommendations for RA management and tips for implementing guidelines into clinical practice congress, 2022. https://cdn.doctorsonly.co.il/2022/06/9dda0a9b-a4e0-49d9-9892-4de28fa0e62a.pdf