Background:RA is traditionally described as a symmetric polyarthritis. The ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria are met if patient has high positive ACPA, symptoms >=6 wks and one small joint swollen. The public and all steps of health care have been informed for many years that RA should be found early.Objectives:To study variations in pattern on first presentation of RA.Methods:All patients with the new diagnosis of RA were extracted from the GoTreatIT clinical database between 2008 to 2019 at a single RA clinic that covers a population of 250.000. Demographic data, clinical variables, labs, x-rays, joint status and PROs at baseline were included in the analysis. Appropriate parametric/non-parametric tests were used to study differences between groups.Results:A total of 1044 (73.5% CCP+) patients with no prior diagnosis of RA were included; 683 (65%) female, mean age 56; 361 (35%) male, mean age 61. At initial presentation in 2008, 60% had >=6 swollen joints (Figure) and a mean DAS28 of 4.4 compared to 22% and 3.8 respectively, in 2019 (p<0.007). Duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis decreased from 6 to 4 months (p=0.033), and the proportion of patients with erosions from 20% in 2008 to 14% in 2019 (ns). Symptoms (PROs) such as pain, fatigue and global health were similar/slightly worse in 2019 compared to 2008.Conclusion:RA cannot be marketed as “symmetric polyarthritis”, as more than half of the patients have a maximum of 2 swollen joints at the time of the diagnosis at the most recent years. Patients with RA can be identified earlier, with less disease activity and damage, compared to previous years.Figure:Disclosure of Interests:None declared
SAT0056 INITIAL PRESENTATION OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) – IS IT STILL “SYMMETRIC POLYARTHRITIS”?