Open AccessMortality in the rheumatic diseases
Author(s) -
Callahan Leigh F.,
Pincus Theodore
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1790080406
Subject(s) - medicine , polymyositis , ankylosing spondylitis , rheumatoid arthritis , scleroderma (fungus) , dermatology , dermatomyositis , mortality rate , vasculitis , rheumatic disease , disease , immunology , inoculation
Objective. To review mortality data in published studies of various rheumatic diseases. Methods. A MEDLINE search of the literature on the rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and vasculitis. Results. Mortality rates higher than expected have been reported in most rheumatic conditions, considerably higher for inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The mortality rates in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and vasculitis are often comparable to mortality rates seen in patients with neoplastic or cardiovascular diseases, although the causes of death often are not identified as the rheumatic disease. Conclusion. Mortality has been found to be predicted in most instances by more severe clinical status, and therefore death should not be considered as “unrelated” to the rheumatic disease. These observations may have important implications for clinical care and health policies regarding patients with rheumatic diseases.