Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Joint Study of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at the Zinder National Hospital — Oak Academic Publishing
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Joint Study of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at the Zinder National Hospital
Faculty of Health Sciences of the André Saliou University of Zinder, Clinical Research and Health System Laboratory (LaReCSS), National Hospital of Zinder, Zinder, Niger
,
Faculty of Health Sciences of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey Reference Hospital, Niamey, Niger
,
Internal Medicine Department and Rheumatology Unit, National Hospital of Zinder, Zinder, Niger
,
Faculty of Health Sciences of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey Reference Hospital, Niamey, Niger
,
Internal Medicine Department and Rheumatology Unit, National Hospital of Zinder, Zinder, Niger
,
Internal Medicine Department, Maradi Reference Hospital, Maradi, Niger
,
Faculty of Health Sciences of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey Reference Hospital, Niamey, Niger
1 Faculty of Health Sciences of the André Saliou University of Zinder, Clinical Research and Health System Laboratory (LaReCSS), National Hospital of Zinder, Zinder, Niger
2 Faculty of Health Sciences of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey Reference Hospital, Niamey, Niger
3 Internal Medicine Department and Rheumatology Unit, National Hospital of Zinder, Zinder, Niger
4 Faculty of Health Sciences of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey Reference Hospital, Niamey, Niger
5 Internal Medicine Department and Rheumatology Unit, National Hospital of Zinder, Zinder, Niger
6 Internal Medicine Department, Maradi Reference Hospital, Maradi, Niger
7 Faculty of Health Sciences of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey Reference Hospital, Niamey, Niger
Objectives: To describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, and prognostic characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis at HNZ. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, over 5 years (2018-2023). The study was conducted in the internal medicine department and the rheumatology consultation unit, including all cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classified according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria or with synovitis associated with erosion typical of RA. Sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and outcome variables were collected. Data analysis was performed using EPI INFO version 7 software. Results: The sample consisted of 117 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seen in internal medicine and rheumatology consultations. The hospital prevalence was 1.30%. The mean age of the patients was 45.7 years, with a range from 17 to 78 years; the 44 - 53 age group was the largest (29.05%). Females were predominant (80%). A history of RA (18%) and hypertension (17%) was the most frequently reported. The mean time to diagnosis was 15.7 months. Polyarthralgia was reported in 74% of patients. Deformities were present in 52% of patients, the most frequent being hammer fingers (32.47%), boutonniere fingers (31.62%), and ulnar drift (26.49%). Extra-articular manifestations were present in 68% of patients. Band-like epiphyseal demineralization was the most frequently observed radiological finding (65%). Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-inflammatory compound (AIC) were positive in 85% and 76.92% of patients, respectively. Methotrexate was used in 85% of patients, followed by hydroxychloroquine (31%) and sulfasalazine (18%). With remission or low activity at 6 months in 56.40% of cases. Conclusion: This study shows that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common in the Zinder region. Primarily affecting women, it is characterized by delayed diagnosis, high disease activity, joint deformities, and significant extra-articular manifestations. Early diagnosis and access to targeted therapies could improve the prognosis.
KeywordsRheumatoid ArthritisZinder National HospitalNiger
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