Objectives To examine trends in the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from 2005 to 2014 overall and by serological status as compared with 1995–2004 and 1985–1994. Methods We evaluated RA incidence trends in a population-based inception cohort of individuals aged ≥18 years who first fulfilled the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 2014. Incidence rates were estimated and were age-adjusted and sex-adjusted to the white population in the USA in 2010. Trends in incidence were examined using Poisson regression methods. Results The 2005–2014 incidence cohort comprised 427 patients: mean age 55.4 years, 68% female, 51% rheumatoid factor (RF) positive and 50% anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody positive. The overall age-adjusted and sex-adjusted annual RA incidence in 2005–2014 was 41/100 000 population (age-adjusted incidence: 53/100 000 in women and 29/100 000 in men). While these estimates were similar to the 1995–2004 decade, there was a decline in the incidence of RF-positive RA in 2005–2014 compared with the previous two decades (p=0.004), with a corresponding increase in RF-negative cases (p Conclusions Significant increase in incidence of RF-negative RA and decrease in RF-positive RA in 2005–2014 compared with previous decades was found using 1987 ACR criteria. The incidence of RA overall during this period remained similar to the previous decade. The changing prevalence of environmental factors, such as smoking, obesity and others, may have contributed to these trends. Whether these trends represent a changing serological profile of RA requires further investigation.

https://ard.bmj.com/content/annrheumdis/79/4/440.full.pdf

Is the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis changing? Results from a population-based incidence study, 1985-2014.

Objective To assess cause-specific incidence and its trend of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders at global, regional and national levels. Methods Data on MSK disorders were downloaded from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 study website. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to quantify the temporal trend in age-standardised incidence rate (ASR) of MSK disorders, by age, sex, region and cause. Results Between 1990 and 2017 incident cases of MSK disorders increased globally by 58% from 211.80 million to 334.74 million, with a decreasing ASR of 0.18% annually (95% CI −0.21% to −0.15%). The ASR decreased for low back pain (LBP), remained stable for neck pain (NP), and increased for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and gout, with EAPCs (95% CI) of −0.24 (−0.29 to –0.20), −0.09 (−0.13 to −0.05), 0.36 (0.28 to 0.43), 0.32 (0.28 to 0.36) and 0.22 (0.21 to 0.23), respectively. It appears women have higher increase in EAPC than men for RA (1.3 times) and gout (1.6 times). The absolute EAPC was strikingly high in high or high-middle sociodemographic index (SDI) regions for overall, LBP and gout, and in low SDI regions for NP. EAPC was significantly associated with baseline ASR for LBP (nonlinear), RA (ρ=−0.41) and gout (ρ=−0.42), also with 2017 human development index for LBP (ρ=−0.53) and gout (ρ=0.15). Conclusions Globally, MSK disorders remain a public health burden. The ASR is decreasing for MSK disorders overall, mainly in high-middle SDI regions, but increasing for RA, OA and gout.

https://ard.bmj.com/content/annrheumdis/79/8/1014.full.pdf

Incidence trend of five common musculoskeletal disorders from 1990 to 2017 at the global, regional and national level: results from the global burden of disease study 2017

Global epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis

Aim To estimate the prevalence and age-stratified treatment trends and clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japan. Method Using 7 RA definitions, the prevalence of RA in those aged ≥16 years was estimated using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan in the fiscal year 2017. We analyzed age-stratified trends in characteristics and treatments. Results Of 1 116 122 patients aged ≥16 years with at least 1 RA-related International Classification of Diseases-10 code, 825.7 thousand patients (women, 76.3%) were assessed as having RA with an estimated prevalence of 0.65%. The highest age-stratified prevalence was 1.63% in patients aged 70-79 years. Overall, 60.8% and 7.0% of patients with RA were aged ≥65 years and ≥85 years, respectively. Methotrexate use was most frequent in patients aged 50-59 years (73.0%) and least frequent in patients aged ≥85 years (38.2%). Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs use was 50.9% in patients aged 16-19 years and decreased to 13.7% in those aged ≥85 years. Preference for the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors versus abatacept decreased from 24.0:1 to 1.7:1 in patients aged 16-19 years and ≥85 years, respectively. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 3.5% in patients aged 60-69 years and 12.1% in those aged ≥85 years. Overall RA-related orthopedic surgeries were most prevalent in patients aged 70-79 years. Conclusion The estimated prevalence of patients with RA in Japan was 0.65%. Age-stratified treatment trends and clinical characteristics have been described in a super-aged society for the first time.

Prevalence of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and age-stratified trends in clinical characteristics and treatment, based on the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In early 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic shifted most healthcare to remote delivery methods to protect patients, clinicians, and hospital staff. Such remote care delivery methods include the use of telehealth technologies including clinical video telehealth or telephone visits. Prior to this, research on the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of telehealth applied to rheumatology, or telerheumatology, has been limited. RECENT FINDINGS: Telerheumatology visits were found to be noninferior to in-person visits and are often more time and cost effective for patients. Clinicians and patients both noted the lack of a physical exam in telehealth visits and patients missed the opportunity to have lab work done or other diagnostic tests they are afforded with in-person visits. Overall, patients and clinicians had positive attitudes toward the use of telerheumatology and agreed on its usefulness, even beyond the pandemic. SUMMARY: Although telerheumatology has the potential to expand the reach of rheumatology practice, some of the most vulnerable patients still lack the most basic resources required for a telehealth visit. As the literature on telerheumatology continues to expand, attention should be paid to health equity, the digital divide, as well as patient preferences in order to foster true shared decision-making over telehealth.

Telerheumatology: before, during, and after a global pandemic.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive arthritis. Understanding the incidence and prevalence of RA within the province facilitates appropriate health care resource planning. To estimate the incidence/prevalence of RA over time for the overall provincial population, for specific age range categories, and for gender. Saskatchewan Provincial Administrative Health Databases (2001–2014) were utilized as data sources. Two RA case-definitions were employed: 1) > three physician billing diagnoses, at least one of which was submitted by a specialist (rheumatologist, general internist or orthopedic surgeon) within 2 years; 2) > one hospitalization diagnosis (ICD-9-CM code-714, and ICD-10-CA code-M05). Data from these definitions were combined to identify incident and prevalent RA cases. Using this data, annual incidence and prevalence rates were calculated for the provincial population, specified age range categories and gender categories. The number of RA cases meeting the case definition increased from 3731 to 6223 over the study period. The incidence of RA disease demonstrated variation within the study period with age and sex adjusted incidence ranging from 33.6 (95% CI 29.9–37.6) per 100,000 to 73.1 (95% CI 67.6–79.0) per 100,000. The prevalence of RA increased over time from 482 (95% CI 466.7–497.7) per 100,000 in 2001–2002 to 683.4 (95% CI 666.6–700.6) per 100,000 in 2014–2015. Both incidence and prevalence rates rose with increasing age. Women were found to have higher incidence and prevalence rates compared to men. In Saskatchewan, the overall prevalence of RA is rising while there has been variability in the incidence.

/pdf/incidence-and-prevalence-of-rheumatoid-arthritis-in-3slog0fijq.pdf

Incidence and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Saskatchewan, Canada: 2001-2014.

To estimate and compare incidence/prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in different geographic health regions and between urban/rural locations of residence within the province of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Provincial Administrative Health Databases (2001–2014) were utilized as data sources. Two RA case-definitions were employed: (1) three physician billing diagnoses, at least one of which was submitted by a specialist (rheumatologist, general internist, or orthopedic surgeon) within 2 years; (2) one hospitalization diagnosis (ICD-9-CM code-714 and ICD-10-CA codes-M05, M06). Data from these definitions were combined to estimate annual RA incidence and prevalence. Annual incidence and prevalence rates across geographic regions and between rural and urban residences were examined. An increasing RA prevalence gradient was observed in a south to north direction within the province. In the 2014–2015 Fiscal Year, the southern region of Sun Country had a 0.57% RA prevalence and the Northern Health Regions a prevalence of 1.15%. Incidence rates fluctuated over time in all regions but tended to be higher in Northern Health Regions. A higher RA prevalence trend was observed in rural residents over the study period. Higher prevalence rates were observed for RA in Northern Health Regions than elsewhere in the province. Rural prevalence rates were higher than for urban residents. Healthcare delivery strategic planning will need to ensure appropriate access for RA patients throughout the province.

/pdf/geographic-variation-in-incidence-and-prevalence-rates-for-3vd7x5u4bh.pdf

Geographic variation in incidence and prevalence rates for rheumatoid arthritis in Saskatchewan, Canada 2001–2014

To estimate provincial all-cause mortality rates of Saskatchewan people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for comparison with the general population over time and between different geographic regions. Saskatchewan provincial administrative health databases (2001–2019) were utilized as data sources. Two RA case definitions were employed: (1) ≥ 3 physician billing diagnoses, at least 1 from a specialist (rheumatologist, general internist or orthopaedic surgeon) within 2 years; (2) ≥ 1 hospitalization diagnosis (ICD-9 code 714, and ICD-10-CA codes M05, M06). Data from these definitions were combined to create an administrative data RA cohort. All-cause mortality rates across geographic regions, between rural/urban residences and between sexes were examined. Over an 18-year span, between fiscal-year 2001–2002 and fiscal-year 2018–2019, age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates ranged from 17.10 to 21.04 (95% CI 14.77, 19.44; 18.03, 24.05)/1000 RA person-years, compared with mortality rates for the general Saskatchewan population without RA, which ranged from 9.37 to 10.88 (95% CI 9.23, 9.51; 10.72, 11.05)/1000 person-years. Fiscal-year mortality rate ratios ranged from 1.82 to 2.13 (95% CI 1.56, 2.13; 1.83, 2.46). Provincial mortality rates were higher in men than in women for both general and RA populations. Northern Saskatchewan mortality rates were significantly higher in the general population but did not achieve significance compared with other provincial regions for the RA population. Regression analysis identified age, male sex, RA and geographic region as factors contributing to increased mortality. A trend towards lower mortality rates over time was observed. Higher mortality rates were observed in the RA population overall. Men had higher mortality rates, as did residents of Northern Saskatchewan compared with residents of other regions for the general population.

Shan Jin

Papers

Incidence and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Saskatchewan, Canada: 2001-2014.

Geographic variation in incidence and prevalence rates for rheumatoid arthritis in Saskatchewan, Canada 2001–2014

Higher mortality rates associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Saskatchewan, Canada, 2001–2019