17 Dec 2024 • Patients with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA)(onset at ≥ 65 years) face more significant long-term challenges compared to those with younger-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA)(onset at < 65 years).

• While both groups showed early improvements in disease activity, LORA patients experienced a significant decline in physical function over five years.
• The research, involving over 3,200 patients, revealed that by Year 5, LORA patients had worse Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores (0.56 vs. 0.33 for YORA) and a higher incidence of adverse events, including increased risks for death (HR 4.70) and malignancy (HR 2.58).

These findings stress the need for specialized treatment approaches for older patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: Rheumatology | Read Full Story