ANNUAL FLUCTUATIONS IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 8  (5) , 725-729
Abstract
A literature survey revealed many reports implicating the microclimate and seasonal changes in arthritic diseases. A retrospective study of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration of 2802 [human] rheumatoid arthritics (RA) was performed. No statistically significant fluctuation was found when analyzed according to the month in which blood was taken. The significance of this is discussed in relation to other RA symptoms, meterologic phenomena, microclimate and joint circulatory responses in RA. Seasons and microclimate may affect some of the symptoms of RA but not the inflammatory processes represented by the ESR and CRP.