Related Experiment Videos
[Rheumatic diseases in black Africa]
1Service de Rhumatologie du CHU-Tokoin de Lomé.
Revue Du Rhumatisme (Ed. Francaise : 1993)
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Bone and joint diseases in Africa show unique patterns, with lower rheumatoid arthritis rates but common osteoarthritis of the knee. Sickle cell disease is a major cause of hip issues in the region.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health in Africa
Background:
- Limited epidemiological data exists for bone and joint diseases in Black Africa, with existing studies often biased by hospital-based selection.
- Hospital studies suggest reduced incidence/severity of rheumatoid arthritis in West Africa compared to industrialized nations.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is infrequent, but the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic may increase spondyloarthropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize available epidemiological data on bone and joint diseases in Black Africa.
- To identify common rheumatological conditions and their prevalence in different African regions.
- To highlight limitations in current data and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological studies and hospital-based data on bone and joint diseases in Black Africa.
- Analysis of reported incidences and severities of various rheumatological conditions.
- Identification of regional variations and contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Gout is the most common inflammatory joint disease in West and Equatorial Africa.
- Osteoarthritis of the knee is prevalent, particularly in obese women in West and Southern Africa.
- Sickle cell anemia and hemoglobin C disease are primary causes of hip symptoms, including bone necrosis and pain.
- Low back pain and sciatica are common, comparable to Europe.
- Lumbar canal stenosis appears more frequent in West African females.
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis is rare; infectious diseases are prevalent due to underindustrialization and poor hygiene.
Conclusions:
- Bone and joint disease epidemiology in Black Africa is distinct, influenced by genetics, infectious diseases, and socioeconomic factors.
- Data limitations, including a scarcity of rheumatologists and population-based studies, necessitate cautious interpretation.
- Future, more rigorous studies are crucial for a better understanding of rheumatological diseases in the region.