Researchers from Tula State University have analysed the musculoskeletal diseases and rheumatoid arthritis dynamics of morbidity in Russia, obtaining data for the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by progressive damage to joints and internal organs. Despite advances in treatment, RA continues to be one of the main causes of disability, leading to temporary or permanent disability and reduced life expectancy. 

The authors analysed annual statistical materials from Rosstat and the Russian Ministry of Health for the period from 2010 to 2022. The study covered both absolute figures (total number of registered patients over 18 years of age) and relative indicators (number of patients per 100,000 adults) across the Russian Federation and federal districts.

The analysis of primary morbidity showed that 21 to 23 cases of RA per 100,000 population are registered annually. In the Central Federal District, there is an increase in the rates of primary registered patients in two regions - Lipetsk (25.3) and Tver (27). The lowest rates were recorded in Moscow (7.0), Voronezh (9.2) and Kursk (9.8) region. The North-Western Federal District demonstrates significantly higher indicators: St. Petersburg (27.6), the Komi Republic (28.2), the Arkhangelsk Oblast (30.5) and the Republic of Karelia (32.6). In the Far Eastern Federal District, the maximum values were observed in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) - 79.4.

Thus, it turned out that in Yakutia the incidence of RA is 11 times higher than in Moscow. Researchers note that differences in morbidity rates between regions may be due to many factors, including climatic conditions, level of economic development, staffing level of medical personnel and equipment of medical institutions. The correctness of coding of diagnoses in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) is also important.

‘This emphasises the need for a more in-depth study of external factors affecting the studied indicators. The results of such monitoring can become the basis for the development of targeted programmes to combat rheumatoid arthritis and improve access to medical care,’ commented one of the authors of the article, Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at TulSU, Doctor of Medical Sciences Valentina Nikolayevna Sorotskaya. 

‘Rheumatoid arthritis is not a verdict. Significant progress in the treatment of the disease has been achieved, new highly effective drugs have appeared, which allow to significantly improve the quality of medical care. <...> Patients with RA have options to choose different types of exercise depending on which joints are affected and the course of the disease, like swimming, walking, running, dancing, cycling, yoga and even moderate strength. You can do 30-60 minutes 2-3 times a week,’ added Angela Oktayevna Plakhova, associate professor of the same department, candidate of medical sciences, who participated in the study. 

Scientists hope that the data obtained in the course of the study will help to optimise the organisation of specialised medical care, including the training of qualified rheumatologists, the provision of necessary medicines and the creation of rehabilitation centres.

According to the materials of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia