OBJECTIVES:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease manifesting as joint inflammation that, can lead to joint damage, destruction, and disability: RA can affect approximately 1% of the population, with a peak incidence between the ages of 35 and 50 years (). The objective of this study is to describe the major clinical and epidemiological characteristics in a descriptive cohort of RA patients, in a specialized RA clinic. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study, the data was taken from a registry of RA specialized center in Colombia. These patients were followed-up under strictly treat to Target (T2T) standards; clinical follow-up was done according to DAS28; herapy had to be adjusted with DAS28 > 3.2 unless patient´s conditions don’t permit it. Epidemiology descriptive was done. RESULTS:  5214 patients were included in our registry during a 5 year follow-up. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 10 years old, 82% were woman and 18% men. The serum rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies were positive in 80% of our patients, 4205 (80%) were under conventional DMARDs. In regards of comorbidities 30% of patients had osteoarthritis, 20% hypertension, osteoporosis 12%, 4% diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome 3%, cerebrovascular disease 1%, and chronic renal disease 1.3%. Mean DAS28 was 3.7 ±1, regarding disease activity 50% of patients were in remission 12% low disease activity, 31% moderate disease activity and 7% in severe disease activity. CONCLUSIONS:  The characteristics of the patients in this epidemiological study are similar to others reported in other studies(), also this data is evidence that may support other research projects in the Colombian context.

References 1. Bautista-Molano W, Fernández-Avila D, Jiménez R, Cardozo R, Marín A, Soler MdP, et al. Epidemiological Profile of Colombian Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Specialized Care Clinic. Reumatología Clínica (English Edition). 2016;12(6):313-8.