epidemiology

Last reviewed 02/2021

  • affects 6-10/1000 of the UK population (1)

  • most commonly affects middle-aged women

  • female to male ratio is 9:1

  • association with HLA-B8, HLA-DR3, HLA-DRW52

  • affects 50% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

  • affects 30% of patients with other autoimmune diseases

  • slowly progressive disease

Reference:

  • (1) Arthritis Research Campaign (2000). Rheumatic Disease In Practice, September 2000, 3.