Comparing Young-Onset and Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Acuña-Rocha Victor D, Regalado-Ceballos Diego, Salcedo-Soto Daniela A, Ramos-Delgado César A, Esquivel-Valerio Jorge A, Hernandez Galarza Ivan J, Galarza-Delgado Dionicio A, Flores-Alvarado Diana E
Primary Institution: Hospital Universitario 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Monterrey, MEX
Hypothesis
How do the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA) compare to those of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA)?
Conclusion
Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis patients show more intense disease activity at onset and a higher prevalence of extra-articular manifestations, but they achieve similar long-term remission rates as young-onset patients.
Supporting Evidence
- EORA patients had higher disease activity at diagnosis compared to YORA patients.
- EORA patients exhibited a greater number of painful and swollen joints.
- Extra-articular manifestations were more common in EORA patients.
- EORA patients had higher Health Assessment Questionnaire scores.
- Despite initial differences, EORA patients achieved similar long-term remission rates as YORA patients.
Takeaway
Older people with rheumatoid arthritis often have more severe symptoms when they first get diagnosed, but over time, they can get better just like younger patients.
Methodology
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies comparing clinical characteristics of EORA and YORA, with statistical analysis performed using RStudio.
Potential Biases
Risk of bias assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, showing high methodological quality and minimal bias.
Limitations
Limited evidence on the clinical course and epidemiological characteristics of EORA; reliance on studies primarily focused on YORA for treatment guidelines.
Participant Demographics
Patients included were classified into EORA (≥60 years) and YORA (<60 years) groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI -1.90 to 2.27
Statistical Significance
p < 0.004
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website