IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-9-3-24490 Original Research Paper Extra–articular manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis JSS Anjusha Dr. March 2020 9 3 01 02 ABSTRACT

Introduction: Despite the predominant osteoarticular and periarticular manifestations, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease, often associated with extra–articular manifestations. The present study was aimed to assess extra–articular manifestations among patients who were diagnosed with RA and to also assess patient related factors associated with the presence of extra–articular manifestations. Methodology: We included 50 patients with RA, with a disease duration of more than 5 years and those who took at least 3–year treatment with disease modifying agents. Extra–articular complications were diagnosed clinically and laboratory confirmation was done as deemed necessary by the treating physician. Disease characteristics including deformities or other morbidities and associated complications were recorded. Results: Of the 50 patients included in the study, mean age of the patients was 53.4 years and 14 patients (28%) had any kind of extra–articular manifestation. The most common extra–articular manifestation was Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome (22%), osteoporosis (18%) and instestitial lung disease (15.5%). Less common extra–articular manifestations were nodules (12%), fibromyalgia (10%), coronary artery disease (8%), peripheral neuropathy (6%), vasculitis (3%), eye manifestations (2%), malignancy (1%) and amyloidosis (1%). Increasing age, disease duration and severity as assessed by Disease Activity Score were found to be significantly associated with the presence of extra–articular manifestation. Conclusions: Our study found that extra–articular manifestations among RA patients were found to have a significant association with many patient–related variables like age, disease duration and disease severity.