Comparitive Study Between Early Menopause and Premenopausal Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease marked by symmetric, peripheral polyarthritis. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and often results in joint damage and physical disability. Exposure to estrogen may be protective against the onset of disease, yet earlier age at menopause may be associated with a greater proportion of patients presenting with a milder disease course Aim of the work: Assess the effect of early menopause on the activity and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients and Methods: Cross sectional clinical study, included 50 patient divided on 2 groups (premenopausal and early menopausal), diagnosed as RA based on ACR/EULAR classification criteria 2010. Results: Disease activity was higher in earlymenopause group than premenopause group. Conclusion: Early menopause is associated with more active and sever type of RA among women with disease onset after 45 years of age.