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Co-morbidity in rheumatoid arthritis
1Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Omaha VA Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3025, USA. tmikuls@unmc.edu
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|August 14, 2003
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly impacts patients and society, with comorbidities like cardiovascular disease being key to outcomes. This review examines these comorbidities, their causes, and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 0.5-1% of the population.
- RA leads to significant societal costs, including disability and mortality.
- RA-associated comorbidities are major determinants of patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of select comorbidities on rheumatoid arthritis outcomes.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking comorbidities with RA.
- To discuss prevention and treatment strategies for RA-specific comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of RA and associated comorbidities.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying comorbidity development.
- Evaluation of treatment and prevention measures.
Main Results:
- Comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, infection, osteoporosis, lymphoproliferative malignancy, and peptic ulcer disease significantly affect RA outcomes.
- Potential iatrogenic effects of RA treatments on comorbidities are considered.
- Strategies for managing and preventing comorbidities in RA patients are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and managing comorbidities is crucial for improving rheumatoid arthritis patient outcomes.
- Multifaceted approaches are needed to address the complex interplay between RA and its associated conditions.
- Further research into prevention and treatment is warranted.