Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract

Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA), defined as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with onset at age 60 years or over, differs slightly at presentation from younger-onset RA (YORA) by a more equal gender distribution, a higher frequency of acute onset with systemic features, more frequent involvement of the shoulder, and higher disease activity. Longitudinal studies have showed more disease activity, radiographic damage, and functional decline in patients with EORA than in those with YORA. These differences were only found in seropositive patients. Seropositive EORA was reported to be associated with HLA-DR4, in contrast to seronegative EORA. Possible heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of seronegative EORA is supported by the recognition of subsets that overlap with the clinical manifestations of other syndromes such as polymyalgia rheumatica and remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema. In addition, crystal-induced arthritis and inflammatory osteoarthritis may be difficult to distinguish from EORA. The efficacy and toxicity of second-line drugs is similar in both age groups, but in the elderly caution is needed with the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and prednisone.

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      A better characterization of differences between LORA and YORA prognosis could help rheumatologists with therapeutic decision-making in terms of medicine tailored to the individual patient. LORA is characterized by a more balanced gender distribution, a higher frequency of acute onset, and more frequent involvement of large joints than YORA [5–8]. Some studies have suggested genetic differences between LORA and YORA, with fewer older patients carrying HLA-DRB1 susceptibility alleles than younger patients [9].

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    From the Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands.

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