الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory arthritis that affect nearly 1 % of the world adults it is characterized by symmetric polyarticular inflammation of the synovium typically of the small joints of the hands (MCP and PIP) wrists and feet.This inflammation results in pain and stiffness, and can lead to progressive joint damage resulting in deformities and loss of function. Within the first three years, 70% of the patients develop radiological erosions of the joints and 31% deformities of the hands. Associated organ damage also contributes to severe disability and the chronic inflammation secondary to RA can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and changes in bone metabolism. |