|
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Alternate Names : RA
 See all Pictures & Images
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.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms & Signs
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis & Tests
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Allergic Vasculitis
• Anemia
• Arthritis
• Cataract
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Pleurisy
Tests & Exams
• CBC
• ESR
• Hematocrit (HCT)
• Joint X-Ray
• Rheumatoid Factor
• Synovial Fluid Analysis
Surgery & Procedures
• Hip Joint Replacement
• Knee Joint Replacement
Other Topics
• Ankle Pain
• Appetite - Decreased
• Arthritis - Resources
• Bleeding
• Breathing Difficulty
• Elbow Pain
• Eye Burning - Itching and Discharge
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Finger Pain
• High Blood Pressure
• How to Make a Splint
• Joint Pain
• Joint Swelling
• Knee Pain
• Limited Range of Motion
• Malaise
• Neck Pain
• Nodules
• Paleness
• Prosthesis
• Rashes
• Skin Lumps
• Swelling
• Swollen Glands
• Ulcers
• Weight Gain - Unintentional
• Wrist Pain
Review Date : 5/6/2002
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: Ajay Nirula M.D., Ph.D., Department of Rheumatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/31/2002).
|
|
