To study the clinical features, outcome and response to therapy in 29 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with secondary amyloidosis (AA).
Twenty-nine patients with RA and AA who were diagnosed during 11 years.
The mean age and the mean duration of RA were 63 +/- 12 years and 15 +/- 7 years respectively. The most common initial clinical feature was renal involvement (83%). Nineteen patients were treated with methotrexate. The mean survival time was 42 +/- 8 months. Eleven patients (38%) have deceased.
Our data confirms that AA in RA is a serious complication with a bleak prognosis. A normal renal function is a good prognosis indicator.