The subanalysis of Rheuma-VOR demonstrates aconsiderable need for rheumatological care

Abstract

Early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases can prevent consequential damage such as permanently limited mobility and joint or organ damage. Simultaneously, there is an increasing deficit in medical care owing to the lack of rheumatological capacity. Rural regions are particularly affected. The available unconfirmed diagnoses of the study Rheuma-VOR were analysed regarding another definitive inflammatory rheumatic disease. The returned questionnaires of the rheumatologists participating in Rheuma-VOR were screened for definitive inflammatory rheumatic diseases other than the required diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or spondyloarthritis. Of 910 unconfirmed diagnoses, in 245 patients another definitive diagnosis could be confirmed. A total of 29.8% of thediagnoses corresponded to degenerative joint changes or chronic pain syndrome, whereas 26.1% involved different forms of inflammatory arthritis. The majority of diagnoses (40.5%) were collagenosis or vasculitis, DISCUSSION: The available data show that a rheumatological presentation was indicated for the majority of patients. Owing to the increasing deficits in medical care aprior selection of the patients is crucial to make optimal use of restricted rheumatological capacities.