Rheumatoid Arthritis Index in patients from 40 to 80 years of age treated at the Regional Hospital of Pedro Juan Caballero - Paraguay, period January 2017 to January 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis, chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, due to pain. Objective: To determine the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in patients between 40 and 80 years of age, treated at the Pedro Juan Caballero Regional Hospital. Amambay, period January 2017 to January 2019. Materials and Methods: It was based on a quantitative approach, non-experimental cross-sectional and descriptive design. The medical records of 301 patients were analyzed. The inclusion criteria were: patients between 40 and 80 years of age with rheumatoid arthritis pathology and attended in the place analyzed. Results: The average age and age group was: 61 to 65 years with 75 patients 25%. Symptoms: presented more than one, 123 joint stiffness, 157 inability to move the joint, 102 joint pain, 97 joint insufficiencies, 89 subcutaneous nodules, 123 deformation of the fingers: “swan neck fingers. Risk factors, more than one factor: 76 obesity, 69 systemic arterial hypertension, 87 cardiovascular risk. Diagnostic method; Laboratory analysis was requested for 301, 98 patients X-rays, 223 computed tomography, 176 magnetic resonance. The treatment performed was: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory 76 patients, 32 Glucocorticoids, 65 Antirheumatics, 34 Disease Modifying, 58 Modern ARME, 248 massages. Complications of urinary infections: 113 patients had urinary infections, 85 manifestations of respiratory infections, 99 presented decreased perception of quality of life. Conclusion: a large number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis present symptoms of joint stiffness, finger deformation: "swan neck fingers", decreased ability to move the joint and joint pain. However, the risk factors presented in the study subjects are cardiovascular risk and obesity, as well as complications such as functional disability and skin infections. Finally, most of the patients carry out the massage as an effective treatment of the problem.