PREVALENCE OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS, OSTEOARTHRITIS, CHONDROCALCINOSIS AND GOUTY-ARTHRITIS AT AGE-79

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  • 1 June 1986
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 13  (3) , 527-534
Abstract
The prevalence of rheumatic diseases was studied in representative subsamples by interview (n = 134), and by physical (n = 89) and radiographic (n = 81) examination in a representative sample of 79-year-olds in Goteborg, Sweden. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (3-8 ARA criteria) was 10%. Radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) was diagnosed in wrists and/or finger joints of 65% of the probands and in knee joints of 14%. The first metacarpophalangeal (MCP I) joint was more frequently involved in males than in females (p < 0.05). In females palpable enlargement of distal (DIP) and proximal interphalangeal finger joints correlated (p < 0.01) to radiographic OA. The degree of heavy work in previous ocupations was correlated to radiographic OA of DIP II-V in females (p < 0.05 and of MCP I in males (p < 0.05) but not to radiographic or clinical OA in knee joints. Symptoms of OA were reported by 6.1% in the knee and in 4.5% in hip joints. The prevalence of chondrocalcinosis averaged 15% (23% of females and 6% of males). Chondrocalcinosis of the hands occurred in 21% of females but in no males. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 15% (women 6%, men 29%), and gouty arthritis was found in one woman.