Rheumatoid Arthritis
Alternate Names : RA
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis (Expectations)
Frequently, the disease can be controlled with a combination of treatments. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Surgery may be needed, if medications fail.
The course of the disease varies between individuals. People with rheumatoid factor or subcutaneous nodules seem to have a more severe course of the disease. People who develop RA at younger ages also have a more rapidly progressive course.
Remission is most likely to occur in the first year and the probability decreases as time progresses. By 10 to 15 years from diagnosis, about 20% of people will have had remission.
Between 50 - 70% will remain capable of full-time employment. After 15 to 20 years, only 10% of patients are severely disabled, and unable to perform simple activities of daily living (washing, toileting, dressing, eating).
However, the average life expectancy may be shortened by 3 to 7 years with this disease, and patients with severe forms of RA may die 10-15 years earlier than expected.
As treatment for rheumatoid arthritis improves, the occurrence of severe disability and life threatening complications appears to be decreasing, so these figures may be overly pessimistic.
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