[Secondary amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis. A clinical study of 29 patients].
BACKGROUND
To study the clinical features, outcome and response to therapy in 29 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with secondary amyloidosis (AA).


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients with RA and AA who were diagnosed during 11 years.


RESULTS
The mean age and the mean duration of RA were 63 +/- 12 years and 15 +/- 7 years respectively. The most common initial clinical feature was renal involvement (83%). Nineteen patients were treated with methotrexate. The mean survival time was 42 +/- 8 months. Eleven patients (38%) have deceased.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data confirms that AA in RA is a serious complication with a bleak prognosis. A normal renal function is a good prognosis indicator.
Fiter Aresté
J
J
Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Prínceps d'Espanya, Barcelona.
Nolla Solé
J M
JM
Gómez Vaquero
C
C
Valverde García
J
J
Roig Escofet
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D008727:Methotrexate