The expression of rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia.

This retrospective study describes the characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients seen at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh over a period of 5 years. One hundred and ninety-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis seen during this period were reviewed. There were 155 females and 40 males (F:M ratio 4:1). Females had a younger age at onset than males (38.6 +/- 13.4 vs 42.9 +/- 13.3 year for male - p = 0.037). The majority of patients (76.4%) described an insidious onset. 45.1% used one or more forms of local medicine. Constitutional symptoms were reported in 78 (40%). Rheumatoid factor was positive in 79.5%. The most frequently involved joints were the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, knees and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Rheumatoid nodules were observed in 15.9% and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in 14.4%. Most patients used second line drugs. The majority of patients (57.4%) were in functional class 1 and 2. The disease pattern and joint distribution resemble more the pattern reported in developed countries.