Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic connective tissue disease affecting the joints. The prevalence of RA among the older population of various geographical areas is on average 0.6–1.3%. The annual incidence in recent years remains at a high level - 0.02%. Women get sick 3-4 times more often than men. During pregnancy, remission often develops. In women, the peak incidence of RA occurs at 35-55 years, in men - at 40-60 years.