revalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in two indigenous communities from Argentina. A community based study: “Two sides of the same coin”?

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic pathology that generates functional limitation, impacting the quality of life of patients and their families. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of RA in the qom and Wichi indigenous communities of the cities of Rosario and Misión Chaqueña (Salta); in addition to comparing the characteristics between both. A cross—sectional, epidemiological, community—based study was carried out using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) methodology. Individuals with musculoskeletal pain (positive cases) were evaluated consecutively by a general physician and referred within a week to the rheumatologist for diagnosis and eventual treatment. The prevalence of RA was 3% (qom) and 3.2% (wichi). The characteristics of RA were similar in both communities in relation to activity measured by Disease Activity Score—28 (DAS 28) (p 0.341) but not in functional limitation measured by Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ) (p 0.031). There means delay in diagnosis was 2 years. A 45% and 66% (p 0.100) of the qom and wichi patients had typical radiographic changes of advanced disease. More than 90% were seropositive for rheumatoid factor and cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. A 42% and 29% (p 0.246) of the qom and wichi patients had a family history of RA. The prevalence of RA in both communities was high, with marked aggressiveness of the disease, as well as functional limitation. The delay in diagnosis is a fundamental factor to improve the prognosis of this pathology.