Pattern of Rheumatic Diseases in a New Rheumatology Clinic in Southwestern Nigeria: A Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Epidemiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Rheumatic diseases (RMDs) represent a significant global health burden and cause of disability.
• The prevalence of RMDs, particularly inflammatory types, is increasing worldwide, including in Africa.
• Earlier studies suggested inflammatory RMDs were rare in Africa, but recent reports indicate a rise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current pattern of rheumatic diseases presenting at a rheumatology clinic in southwestern Nigeria.
• To document the demographic characteristics and diagnoses of patients with RMDs.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of medical records of 416 patients diagnosed with RMDs at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) from February 2017 to April 2024.
• Data on patient age, sex, and diagnoses were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0.
• Diagnoses were based on established classification criteria and clinical evaluation by a rheumatologist.

Main Results:

• The study included 416 patients (318 females, 98 males; F:M ratio 3.2:1) with a mean age of 48.62 years.
• Inflammatory RMDs were the most prevalent (59.4%), with systemic lupus erythematosus (21.2%) being the most common RMD overall.
• Osteoarthritis (19.7%) and rheumatoid arthritis (11.8%) were also significant findings, alongside soft tissue RMDs like trigger finger (4.8%).

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate a shift towards a higher prevalence of inflammatory rheumatic diseases in southwestern Nigeria.
• This evolving trend contrasts with previous assumptions about the rarity of these conditions in the African population.
• The study underscores the importance of recognizing the changing landscape of RMDs in Africa.