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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition characterised by inflammation of the peripheral joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and feet, usually on both sides of the body, potentially resulting in damage.
Damage is caused by persistent inflammation of the synovium, the membrane lining the joint, with subsequent damage of the cartilage, bone erosion and joint deformities. Although normally confined to the joints, in rare cases it may affect other systems such as the lungs, heart and nervous system.
The cause is not known, but there may be a strong genetic predisposition. It is now understood that there is an immune reaction against the body's own synovial tissue, called an autoimmune reaction.
Women are affected about two to three times more often than men. The incidence increases with age and the sex difference diminishes in older people. Rheumatoid arthritis is seen around the world and all races are affected.
It can start at any age and often affects young people. The peak onset is in the 4th and 5th decade, with 80% of people developing the disease between the ages of 35 and 50.
There is a strong genetic predisposition: severe rheumatoid arthritis is found at four times the expected rate in first-degree relatives of people with the disease.
There is no known prevention. Routine blood testing of family members is not advised. Smoking has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of RA, and persistent smoking in patients suffering from RA may predict a poorer outcome.
Damage is caused by persistent inflammation of the synovium, the membrane lining the joint, with subsequent damage of the cartilage, bone erosion and joint deformities. Although normally confined to the joints, in rare cases it may affect other systems such as the lungs, heart and nervous system.
The cause is not known, but there may be a strong genetic predisposition. It is now understood that there is an immune reaction against the body's own synovial tissue, called an autoimmune reaction.
Women are affected about two to three times more often than men. The incidence increases with age and the sex difference diminishes in older people. Rheumatoid arthritis is seen around the world and all races are affected.
It can start at any age and often affects young people. The peak onset is in the 4th and 5th decade, with 80% of people developing the disease between the ages of 35 and 50.
There is a strong genetic predisposition: severe rheumatoid arthritis is found at four times the expected rate in first-degree relatives of people with the disease.
There is no known prevention. Routine blood testing of family members is not advised. Smoking has been shown to be a risk factor for the development of RA, and persistent smoking in patients suffering from RA may predict a poorer outcome.
