Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis

Rheumatoid arthritis prognosis depends on a number factors that include the following

• extent of involvement of the joints
• level of serum markers in the blood
• presence of extra-articular disease
• age of onset
• sex
• education and socio-economic level

In most patients the disease activity remains persistent but waxes and vanes over time.

After about 10 to 12 years of disease most patients will have some degree of functional impairment. Only 15% will be disability free.

Worse out come of the disease is seen in the following conditions

• when more than 20 joints are involved
• high levels of
1. erythrocyte sedimentation rate
2. rheumatoid factors
3. anti-CCP antibodies
4. C reactive protein
• presence of rheumatoid nodules, respiratory involvement, vascular and cardiac involvement
• more age
• female sex
• low education and poor socio-economic status

The best way to ensure a better out come and prognosis is to diagnose the disease early and manage it aggressively.

With the newer drugs available we have begun to see less disability and deformity.

I hope the information provided was helpful. If you have any query you can ask me at the contact me page.

This page was last updated on 31st March 2009.

See also...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause

Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathology

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs

Hand Deformities

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