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[Cause of death in autopsied RA patients]
H Toyoshima1, T Kusaba, M Yamaguchi
1Department of Internal Medicine, Saga Medical School.
Abstract:
A mortality study was performed based on the data of Annual of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan in 1985-1989. The average life span of the RA patients, revealing 66.5 years in male and 64.6 years in female, was shorter than that of general population in Japan. Of 1,246 autopsied RA cases, the most common causes of death were infections (26.6%), respiratory diseases including interstitial lung disease (17.5%) and amyloidosis (12.5%). Amyloidosis was common among RA cases (25.2%), and it was suggested that RA was the most important underlying disorder of the secondary amyloidosis: in 1985 to 1989, 316 cases of 515 secondary amyloidosis (61.4%) were associated with RA.
Insights
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a shorter lifespan than the general population. Infections, respiratory diseases, and amyloidosis are leading causes of death in RA patients, with RA being a major factor in secondary amyloidosis.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- A mortality study analyzed autopsy data from Japan between 1985-1989.
- The study focused on pathological autopsy cases, specifically examining rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
Purpose:
- To investigate the mortality patterns and causes of death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
- To compare the lifespan of RA patients with the general Japanese population.
- To determine the prevalence of amyloidosis in RA cases and its association with secondary amyloidosis.
Summary:
- The average lifespan for RA patients was 66.5 years for males and 64.6 years for females, shorter than the general population.
- Among 1,246 autopsied RA cases, the primary causes of death were infections (26.6%), respiratory diseases (17.5%), and amyloidosis (12.5%).
- Amyloidosis was prevalent in 25.2% of RA cases, and RA was identified as the most significant underlying condition for secondary amyloidosis, accounting for 61.4% of cases between 1985-1989.
Impact:
- This study highlights the increased mortality risks associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Findings underscore the critical role of managing infections, respiratory complications, and amyloidosis in RA patient care.
- The research emphasizes the strong link between RA and secondary amyloidosis, informing clinical awareness and potential preventative strategies.