Rheumatoid arthritis Health Article

Support Groups

For additional information and resources, see arthritis support group.

Expectations (prognosis)

Regular blood or urine tests should be done to determine how well medications are working and if drugs are causing any side effects.

The course of RA differs from person to person. People with rheumatoid factor or subcutaneous nodules seem to have a more severe form of the disease. People who develop RA at younger ages also have a more rapidly progressive course.

Many people with RA work full-time. However, after many years, about 10% of patients are severely disabled, and unable to do simple daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, and eating.

The average life expectancy for a patient with RA may be shortened by 3 to 7 years. Those with severe forms of RA may die 10-15 years earlier than expected. However, as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis improves, severe disability and life-threatening complications appear to be decreasing.

Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis is not solely a disease of joint destruction. It can involve almost all organs.

A life-threatening joint complication can occur when the cervical spine becomes unstable as a result of RA.

Rheumatoid vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication of RA. It can lead to skin ulcerations and infections, bleeding stomach ulcers, and nerve problems that cause pain, numbness, or tingling. Vasculitis may also affect the brain, nerves, and heart, which can cause stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

RA may cause the the outer lining of the heart to swell (pericarditis) and cause heart complications. Inflammation of heart muscle, called myocarditis, can also develop. Both of these conditions can lead to congestive heart failure.

The treatments for RA can also cause serious side effects. If you experience any side effects, immediately tell your health care provider.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention

Rheumatoid arthritis has no known prevention. However, it is often possible to prevent further damage of the joints with proper early treatment.

Because RA may cause eye complications, patients should be have regular eye exams.

References

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Announces Series of Changes to the Class of Marketed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Rockville, MD: National Press Office; April 7, 2005. Press Release P05-16.

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Issues Public Health Advisory Recommending Limited Use of Cox-2 Inhibitors. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; December 23, 2004. Talk Paper T04-61.