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Comparative Study
. 2005;50(1):45-51.
doi: 10.1007/s00038-004-3139-2.

The prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly in developed countries and its evolution over time

Marjorie M Mariller  1 , Brigitte Santos-Eggimann
Affiliations
Comparative Study

The prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly in developed countries and its evolution over time

Marjorie M Mariller et al. Soz Praventivmed. 2005.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims at evaluating the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time.

Methods: We present a systematic international literature review of the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly and its evolution over time.

Results: The estimated current prevalence of rheumatic diseases among people aged 65 and more varies between 41% and 53%, and is similar to estimated prevalence rates in studies performed before 1990 (35-55%). The prevalence is high and seems to increase rapidly with age. Furthermore, women suffer more frequently from rheumatic diseases than men.

Conclusion: The selected studies included a large range of methods, making comparisons difficult. However, estimates of the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in the elderly appear to be homogeneous in different countries and stable since 1980.

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