Summary
This retrospective study describes the characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients seen at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh over a period of 5 years. One hundred and ninety-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis seen during this period were reviewed. There were 155 females and 40 males (F:M ratio 4∶1). Females had a younger age at onset than males (38.6±13.4 vs 42.9±13.3 year for male-p=0.037). The majority of patients (76.4%) described an insidious onset. 45.1% used one or more forms of local medicine. Constitutional symptoms were reported in 78 (40%). Rheumatoid factor was positive in 79.5%. The most frequently involved joints were the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, knees and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Rheumatoid nodules were observed in 15.9% and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in 14.4%. Most patients used second, line drugs. The majority of patients (57.4%) were in functional class 1 and 2. The disease pattern and joint distribution resemble more the pattern reported in developed countries.
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Alballa, S.R. The expression of rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia. Clin Rheumatol 14, 641–645 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207929
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207929