Global Rise in Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Aging and Smoking Trends

Significant Findings on Rheumatoid Arthritis

New Delhi, June 16: A recent AI-driven study has identified that the growing elderly population and increased smoking rates are contributing factors to the rising global burden of rheumatoid arthritis since 1980.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily impacts the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The comprehensive analysis, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, highlights significant socioeconomic disparities and escalating inequalities in the burden of this disease.

The research indicates that demographic aging, population growth, and inconsistent healthcare infrastructure are intensifying the impact of rheumatoid arthritis across different regions.

Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), the study combined the largest spatiotemporal dataset on rheumatoid arthritis, covering 953 locations globally from 1980 to 2021, with an innovative deep learning framework.

The results show a consistent increase in the global burden of rheumatoid arthritis from 1980 to 2021, particularly among younger populations and across a broader range of geographic areas.

Importantly, the inequality related to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) surged by 62.55% since 1990, with Finland, Ireland, and New Zealand identified as the most unequal countries in 2021.

Economic factors alone do not account for the burden of rheumatoid arthritis.

Regions with a high sociodemographic index (SDI), such as Japan and the UK, displayed differing patterns in disease burden.

Japan's declining DALY rates, despite its high SDI, may be attributed to early diagnosis initiatives, extensive use of biologic treatments, and a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.

"By 2040, regions with low to middle SDI may experience rising DALYs due to aging and population growth, while high SDI areas might see a decrease in DALYs," stated the research team led by Queran Lin from Imperial College London.

"Addressing smoking could potentially lower rheumatoid arthritis-related deaths by 16.8% and DALYs by 20.6% in high-smoking regions like China, providing substantial benefits for medium to high SDI areas," the researchers added.

They emphasized that many regions worldwide still lack the essential evidence base needed to guide precision health policies and targeted interventions.