aetiology

Last edited 08/2018 and last reviewed 01/2023

The aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis is multifactorial. It is thought to be caused by an interaction among genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers (1).

  • 60% of a population's predisposition to RA is genetically determined
  • environmental contribution is not clear although various infective agents have been proposed
  • hormonal influences may also exist.

Reference:

  1. Amaya-Amaya J, Rojas-Villarraga A, Mantilla RD, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis. In: Anaya JM, Shoenfeld Y, Rojas-Villarraga A, et al., editors. Autoimmunity: From Bench to Bedside [Internet]. Bogota (Colombia): El Rosario University Press; 2013 Jul 18. Chapter 24.

Related pages:

genetics of rheumatoid arthritis

environmental aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis

hormonal aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis