SEX-SPECIFIC AND AGE-SPECIFIC FEATURES OF RADIOGRAPHIC ABNORMALITIES IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

To investigate sex- and age-specific features of radiographic abnormal ities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, radiographic signs in han ds and feet were assessed using Steinbroker criteria. A score system f rom 0 to 3 was also introduced to evaluate every radiographic feature: osteoporosis, cysts, joint space narrowing and erosions. Radiographic indices of every joint group, whole hand and metatarsophalangeal join ts were calculated. Using the regression analysis, the implication of 3 factors (age at the disease onset, disease duration and sex) in join t involvement was estimated in 56 males and 50 females with RA. Age su bgroups entered patients who at the disease onset were under 50 (38 ma les and 27 females), over 50 (18 males and 23 females). Neither sex no r age at the disease onset affected Steinbroker stage in hands, wherea s the influence of the male sex on radiographic stage in feet was esse ntial. Radiographic indices for joints of the hand were different in s ex and age subgroups. A multiple regression analysis revealed a signif icant effect of age at the disease onset on the involvement of metacar pophalangeal and wrist joints and hand on the whole. Wrist involvement was related to the female sex. Radiographic feet indices were more si gnificant in young males.