Comparing Cancer Rates in Chinese and American Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Ouyang Zhi-Ming, Zou Yao-Wei, Pan Jie, Lu Ye, Yang Ying, Li Qian-Hua, Ma Jian-Da, Jia Pei-Wen, Wu Tao, Fan Yu-Ting, Lin Jian-Zi, Wei Xiu-Ning, Yang Kui-Min, Su Yun, Dai Lie
Primary Institution: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Hypothesis
What are the differences in the prevalence and types of malignancy between Chinese and American patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a significantly lower prevalence of malignancy compared to American patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Chinese patients with RA had a malignancy prevalence of 5.7%, compared to 17.1% in American patients.
- After matching for age and gender, the prevalence remained lower in Chinese patients (6.2% vs. 12.6%).
- Older age and positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were associated with malignancy in Chinese patients.
Takeaway
This study found that fewer Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis have cancer compared to American patients, and the types of cancer they get are also different.
Methodology
Data were collected from a real-world Chinese RA population and American patients with RA from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, comparing prevalence and subtypes of malignancy.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce diagnostic bias and lack detailed clinical data.
Limitations
The study was cross-sectional and may not fully represent the entire Chinese RA population, leading to potential selection bias.
Participant Demographics
Chinese patients had a mean age of 53.6 years, with 78.6% female; American patients had a mean age of 58.0 years, with 59.8% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI [1.032–1.068]
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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