[Novel approach for the early detection of inflammatory rheumatic diseases in the population using a mobile screening unit]

Abstract

Current evidence-based guidelines for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) emphasize the need for early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, these recommendations have not been implemented universally in Germany. This prompted the German Cooperative Rheumatology Group Rhine-Ruhr to devise a screening programme for inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) using a specially equipped bus, which was sent on a 5-week tour of a series on local towns. Visitors were asked to fill out a questionnaire (RheumaCheck) and to undergo a blood test for rheumatoid factor and anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies. In the case of positive test results or on request due to symptoms, visitors could undergo targeted examination on the bus by a rheumatologist. Of the 2691 people who visited the bus (73% females, average age 62 years), 1330 consulted the rheumatologist. IRD was suspected in 319 attendees and confirmed in 104 of 172 screening participants, who went on to attend a rheumatological practice. RA was diagnosed in a total of 54 cases (2.1% of all visitors).