Epidemiology of RA:
Various population-based studies shows that rheumatoid arthritis affects 0•5–1•0% of adults in developed countries. The disease is more frequent in women than men. Prevalence rises with age and is highest in women older than 65 years, suggesting hormonal factors could have a pathogenic role.40 Estimates of the frequency of rheumatoid arthritis vary depending on the methods used to ascertain its presence. Incidence ranges from 5 to 50 per 100 000 adults in developed countries and increases with age. Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis varies geographically. The disease is common in northern Europe and North America compared with parts of the developing world, such as rural West Africa. These variations are indicative of different
Various population-based studies shows that rheumatoid arthritis affects 0•5–1•0% of adults in developed countries. The disease is more frequent in women than men. Prevalence rises with age and is highest in women older than 65 years, suggesting hormonal factors could have a pathogenic role.40 Estimates of the frequency of rheumatoid arthritis vary depending on the methods used to ascertain its presence. Incidence ranges from 5 to 50 per 100 000 adults in developed countries and increases with age. Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis varies geographically. The disease is common in northern Europe and North America compared with parts of the developing world, such as rural West Africa. These variations are indicative of different