ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by joint destruction. It affects 0.03% to 1.5% of the population worldwide. Its incidence peaks between the ages of 35 and 45 years; however, the age-related prevalence continues to increase even after age 65. It occurs 3 times more frequently in women than men. The cause remains unknown. The presentation of an unknown antigen to genetically susceptible persons is believed to trigger rheumatoid arthritis.
