The aging process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires re-assessment of diagnostic and treatment approaches in patients who developed RA at 60-69 years (EORA-Elderly-Onset RA), 70 years and older (LORA-Late Onset RA) compared with CORA patients - Common Onset RA (35 - 50 years).
Comparing data of CORA, EORA and LORA patients: gender, nationality; swollen and tender joints (out of 28 joints), Disease Activity Score (DAS28), inflammatory markers, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA); treatment with corticosteroids and disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Patients' files were examined: CORA (39, 33.5%), EORA (37, 30.8%) and LORA (44, 36.7%). No differences were observed between swollen and tender joints, inflammatory markers, DAS28, RF, and ACPA. Methotrexate was introduced in 94.9% of CORA patients versus EORA (77.3%) and LORA (78.4%); 88.6% LORA-patients received corticosteroids versus 69.2% CORA; 43.2% of LORA patients and 92.3% CORA received synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs); 43.6% CORA versus 16.2% EORA and 9.3% LORA patients received biologics.
No clinical and laboratory differences were found between CORA, EORA, and LORA groups. EORA and LORA patients received less synthetic and biological DMARDs. It is necessary to change the attitude to EORA and LORA and to promote advanced optimal treatments. Prospective studies on the efficacy and safety of novel drugs in EORA and LORA patients are needed.