Total mortality is increased in rheumatoid arthritis. A 17-year prospective study

The purpose of this study was to determine the total and cause-specific mor tality in rheumatoid arthritis (PA) patients compared to a control populati on in northern Norway. One hundred and eighty-seven patients with RA and 93 0 population controls matched for age, gender and municipality were followe d until death or for a maximum of 17 years. The total mortality in Rh patie nts was twice that of their controls (MRR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.6-2.5). Patient s possessing serum rheumatoid factors did not have a higher relative mortal ity than the seronegative patients. There was no statistically significant increased mortality from cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Indications for a higher death rate in RA patients than in controls were found for infecti on and sudden death.