To describe the epidemiological profile of patients with extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (ExRA) from an university-affiliated rheumatology center; to report the prevalence of ExRA and to compare it with available data; and to identify, if possible, ExRA predictors.
This study reviewed 262 medical charts of patients previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria, and attending that rheumatology center in 2010. The statistical analysis comprised simple mathematical calculations, Student t and chi-square tests, and a significance level of 5% (α= 0.05).
During the course of the disease, 120 patients (45.8%) had ExRA. Pulmonary manifestation, rheumatoid nodules and Sjögren's syndrome were the most common manifestations found. Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were positive in most patients tested. Most patients were classified as Steinbrocker functional classes 1 and 2. The mean DAS-28 was 3.629, and the mean HAQ score, 1.12. Patients with ExRA had longer disease duration (P < 0.05), and current smoking habit associated with the presence of ExRA (P < 0.05).
The prevalence of ExRA during disease course was 45.8%, and current smoking habit correlated with the presence of ExRA.