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Incidence of rheumatoid arthritis from 1995 to 2001: impact of ascertainment from multiple sources

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the mean incidence rate of rheumatoid arthritis over a 7-year period from 1995 to 2001 in a population in the southern part of Denmark, using the data from several sources. Cases fulfilling the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for rheumatoid arthritis were identified at hospitals and private practising rheumatologists (referral centres), and in general practice. The observed incidence was 32/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 29–35). Using the ratio between the number of cases known only from general practice and the number known from general practice and referral centres, the estimated incidence was 35/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 32–38). We suggest that the estimated rate should be viewed as a plausible upper limit for the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the southern part of Denmark.

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Acknowledgments

The study was funded by the County of South Jutland, Denmark; the Danish Rheumatism Association; the Margarethe Astrid Hedvig Schaufuss Grant; Grocer Hans Christensen’s Memorial Grant.

Conflict of interest statement

The Authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Unit, King Christian X Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Toldbodgade 3, 6300, Graasten, Denmark

    Jens K. Pedersen & Kim Hørslev-Petersen

  2. General Practice, V. Sottrup, Sønderborg, Denmark

    Niels K. Kjær

  3. Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Anders J. Svendsen

Authors
  1. Jens K. Pedersen
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  2. Niels K. Kjær
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  3. Anders J. Svendsen
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  4. Kim Hørslev-Petersen
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Correspondence to Jens K. Pedersen.

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Pedersen, J.K., Kjær, N.K., Svendsen, A.J. et al. Incidence of rheumatoid arthritis from 1995 to 2001: impact of ascertainment from multiple sources. Rheumatol Int 29, 411–415 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-008-0713-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-008-0713-6

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