Frequency of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Young Females Presenting with Multiple Joints Pain Using Acr Diagnostic Criteria

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing morbidity and mortality in all population worldwide. It is present in 1 to 2 % in world's population Objective: To determine the frequency of RA in young females presenting with multiple joints pain using ACR Diagnostic Criteria for RA. Methodology: This study was Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study done at the Department of Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar for duration of six months from February 2021 to August 2021. In this study a total of 156 patients were observed to assess the frequency of rheumatoid arthritis in young females with multiple joints pain using ACR Diagnostic Criteria. Results: Serology of RF and ACPA among 156 patients was positive in 93(59.6%) patients and Negative in 63(40.4). Acute phase reactants CRP and ESR among 156 patients were abnormal in 91(58.3%) and Normal in 65(41.7%) patients Conclusion: Our study concludes that in young females with multiple joints pain, the frequency of rheumatoid arthritis was high by using ACR diagnostic criteria. Young females are prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis but remain undiagnosed and this may lead to adverse outcome and failure in prognosis and treatment. If it is diagnosed in early stage it may add to good health outcome and quality of life. Key words: Rheumatoid arthritis; multiple joints pain, ACR Diagnostic Criteria