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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a common problem in elderly individuals. It is reported that lung involvement in these patients is widely present. This study was done with the purpose to assess the burden and characteristics of lung involvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients attending rheumatology clinic. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, in which data was retrospectively collected, was carried out from April 2019 to December 2020 at the Rheumatology Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan. All adult rheumatoid arthritis individuals, irrespective of gender or duration of disease, were consecutively enrolled. Information regarding the baseline characteristics, medication history for rheumatoid arthritis, findings of immunological tests along with the frequency of lung involvement and its pattern were observed. Results: Of 254 patients, the mean age was 37.46 ±12.39 years. Females were predominantly higher as compared to males, i.e., 232 (91.3%) vs. 22 (8.7%) respectively. Current smoking status was found positive in 7 (2.8%) patients. The mean disease duration was 4.41 ±3.96 years. Furthermore, frequency of pulmonary manifestation was observed in 45 (17.7%) patients. A significantly higher mean difference of age (p-value

Metabolic Syndrome is strongly associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which significantly increases cardiovascular complications and hence morbidity and mortality. Treating Metabolic Syndrome decreases cardiovascular related disease flares and deaths. This study evaluates prevalence of metabolic syndrome in young Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.This Cross-sectional study was conducted in rheumatology department of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. All diagnosed cases of rheumatoid arthritis from April to August 2018 were consecutively included. Disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis assessed by Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Associate determinants of rheumatoid arthritis were measured along with outcome variables.Out of 104 rheumatoid arthritis patients, 34 (32.7%) found to have metabolic syndrome in whom 20 (58.8%) of patients were seropositive. A significant association of metabolic syndrome was found with age (p-value 0.023), BMI (p-value 0.006), waist circumference (p-value 0.002), FBS (p-value0.001), SBP (p-value0.001), DBP (p-value0.001), TG (p-value0.001), HDL (p-value 0.022), and Methotrexate drug history (p-value 0.030).We conclude that metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in young rheumatoid patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treating Metabolic Syndrome decreases cardiovascular related disease flares and deaths. This young population base study will help out to estimate the exact burden of Metabolic Syndrome to decrease overall morbidity and mortality.

Low back pain (LBP) is considered as one of the most frequent health problems which is responsible for forming a huge worldwide burden. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the frequency of axial-Spondyloarthropathy (axSpA) in patients presenting with chronic backache using Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) Criteria for axSpA.A total of 231 participants of either gender were enrolled with complaint of backache of more than or equal to 3 months duration and younger than 45 years. In the first stage, patients were interviewed and examined using standard questionnaire. In the second stage after going through laboratory investigations and imaging patients were classified into either axSpA (those meeting ASAS Criteria for axSpA) or non-SpA.There were 65 males and 166 females. Mean age was 36.26 years. Eighty-nine (39%) patients were found to have axSpA as per ASAS Criteria. Majority of patients 70 (78.6%) in the imaging arm of ASAS Criteria were picked via MRI of sacroiliac joints. Peripheral arthritis was seen in 57 (64%) and Enthesitis in 52 (58.4%).MRI performed exceptionally to reveal sacroiliitis highlighting the importance of this imaging modality in axSpA, which we recommend to be included in diagnostic algorithm in evaluating patients with chronic backache under 45 years age.

Osteoporosis is an early and common feature in rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from other manifestations, Osteoporosis is an extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis whichmay result in increased risk of fractures, morbidity mortality, and associated healthcare costs. This study evaluates bone mineral density changes in patients withrheumatoid arthritis of recent-onset.This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Rheumatology Department of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Data was collected from 76 patients presenting with seropositive or seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. Bone mineral density of these patients measured at lumbar spine and hip by using dual energy x-ray absorptiometrys can. Variables like age, gender, BMI, menstrual status, disease duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, vitamin D level, clinical disease activity index and seropositivity for rheumatoid arthritis were measured along with outcome variables.A total of 104 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were registered with 28 excluded from study. A mong the remaining 76 patients, 68 (89.50%) were female, with mean age of patients (with low bone mineral density) as 50.95 ± 7.87 years. Nineteen (25%) patients had low bone mineral density, 68.52% had low BMD at spine while 10.52% at hip and 21.05% at spine and hip both. Low bone mineral density was found higher in patients with seronegative 7 (50%) as compared to seropositive patients 12 (19.4%) (p-value 0.017), whereas low bone mineral d ensity was found higher 12 (70.6%) among post-menopausal women.Low BMD was found in 25% of patients at earlier stage of the rheumatoid arthritis with seropositivity, age and menopausal status as significant risk factors.