[Russian society and patients with rheumatic diseases]

The morbidity, primary morbidity, temporary incapacity for work and disablement due to rheumatoid diseases registered among Russia's population in the recent 3 years are described on the basis of an analysis of Russian statistics. Issues related with mortality, caused by rheumatic diseases, the related expenses and influence on patients' life quality are under discussion. A conclusion is made on a high social-and-medical importance of the above category of diseases as viewed from the standpoint of society (state), patient and his or her family.