[Systemic manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis. A multivariate analysis of 122 patients (author's transl)]

In a retrospective study the case reports of 122 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), were analyzed by computer with respect to systemic manifestations and the possible relationship of these manifestations to clinical findings. Bromsulphthalein retention, lung and kidney function were studied in other smaller unselected groups of RA patients and the results compared with the relevant clinical data. It was observed that nearly all systems can be involved in RA. High rheumatoid factor titres seem to be of great importance with regard to prognosis, but the duration and activity of the disease do, however, also influence the occurrence of systemic complications. Functional impairment of the different organs investigated was found in a high percentage of RA patients. Usually these disturbances are subclinical and not of great significance to the patient. Effects of antirheumatic drug therapy are difficult to evaluate, but they obviously do play an important role in the aetiology of the observed functional disturbances. Nevertheless, it must be stressed that the detection of systemic manifestations and functional disorders at the earliest possible stage of the disease is needed in the determination of the therapy of choice and is of great prognostic importance, thereby justifying detailed and often costly investigation.