Frequency of distribution of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of joint distribution in rheumatoid arthritis presenting at Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. Assessment of joint involvement in RA patients is not only important to determine the disease activity but also to assess the future joint damage. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Independent University Hospital Faisalabad. Period: July 2019 to Jan 2020. Material & Methods: 384 consecutive RA patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria, of either sex between age of 17- 60 years were enrolled from Rheumatology division of Independent University Hospital Faisalabad from July 2019 to Jan 2020. Frequency of joint distribution was assessed. Chi square test was used to compare the frequency of joint distribution among different treatment groups, age groups and gender, disease duration. A p-valve of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study 384 patients with RA were studied. Joint distribution was determined according to pattern of joint involved at presentation. More patients (178) were noted in oligoarticular group, with predominant small joint involvement 111 (28.9%). 173 patients were noted in poly-articular group with 102 (26.6%) were in predominant small joint involvement. Conclusion: Pattern of joint distribution in RA patients is very important especially if there is monoarthritis or oligoarthritis, along with its association with gender, age of onset, disease duration, investigations.