A 49 Years Old Woman with Disability Caused Byrheumatoid Arthritis Disease Progressivity: Case Report and Literature Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 1 % of world population. Onset peaks between 30 and 60 years old. RA can be marked by symmetrical peripheral polyarthritis which may lead to joint destruction and disability. Extra-articular manifestations include fatigue, subcutaneous nodules, lung involvement, pericarditis, peripheral neuropathy, vasculitis, and hematologic abnormalities. The prognosis can be predicted based on clinical and laboratory evidences. New criteria for classification provides opportunity for earlier treatment. Initiation of early treatment of DMARDs is expected to prevent progressive and even change the natural course of RA.