Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic inflammatory disease; it is the most common inflammatory arthritis in Saudi Arabia.
Objectives: To explore the impact of age on the clinical aspects and management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, among adults, in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. online, using Google form which was sent to patients with Rheumatoid arthritis, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The total number enrolled was 122 patients. Data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire which provided information on the sociodemographic characteristics, age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis, comorbidities, symptoms and signs, and lines of management. Chi Square test of significance was used. The level of significance was 0.05.
Result: Rheumatoid Arthritis occurred in 41.8% of the patients before the age of 20 years, in 28.7% by the age of 20 to < 30 years, in 20.5% by the age of 30 to < 40 years, and in 9% by the age of 40 years and older. Autoimmune diseases, skin allergies, and intake of medication without doctor prescription, were significantly more common among those aged 36 to 46 years old (p < 0.05). Loss of appetite was common among those aged 16 to 25 years old (p<0.5). Cardiovascular diseases, burning in the mouth, neck pain, use of over the counter treatments, and use of biological treatment. were significantly more common among those aged 46 years or older (p<0.05). RF, anti-CCP, LFT, FRT and CBC were the common investigations done. with no age differences. Although Cortisone, and methotrexate drugs were given more in those aged 46 years and over, no significant age differences were found. The majority of the patients did not visit the rheumatology clinics regularly.
Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis did not appear to be an old age disorder; it was common before the age of 20 years. Clinical picture and lines of management differed among different age groups. This evaluation raised questions for future studies and improved care for RA. Extrapolation of these differences, and also lack of access to care, may help health care providers to implement a promotional strategy to address this health care issue.