Rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly

Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory connective tissue disease that is most visible on the joints. It causes significant joint damage, swelling, pain and loss of function, and higher mortality than in the rest of the population. The onset of the disease, as well as its development, vary and differ in genetic predisposition, joint involvement, the presence of autoantibodies and the severity of the inflammatory process. RA that occurs in old age (elderly onset RA-EORA) differs in its characteristics from the one that begins at a young age (young onset RA-YORA). The onset of EORA is more acute, with general symptoms like fever. The diagnosis is often unclear and can be easily confused with other diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, interstitial lung disease and frailty are more common comorbidities, worsening the already damaged health of patients. In addition to the above, more frequent serious bacterial infections are an issue. According to some recent data, EORA could be a risk factor for bone erosions and also could also be refractory to the standard treatment, compared to YORA. Data and research done on this topic differ from each other.

Key words:
cardiovascular disease; elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA); frailty; interstitial lung disease; rheumatoid arthritis