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RHEUMATIC DISEASES IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A CLINIC AT A REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: The spectrum of rheumatic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa remains poorly defi ned.
Objectives: To determine the spectrum of rheumatic diseases in Yaounde.
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: Rheumatology clinic at the Yaounde General Hospital, Cameroon.
Subjects: Twelve thousand four hundred and ninety four patients were referred to the outpatient
department of the Internal Medicine service of the General Hospital of Yaounde over a 12-month
period. Of these cases, 536 (9.4%) were diagnosed as belonging to the general class of rheumatic
conditions. There were 334 (62.31%) females and 202 (37.69%) males. The mean age was 52.72 ±
5.3 years.
Results: The 536 cases were further classifi ed as follows: degenerative disease of the spine 196
(36.5%), osteoarthritis of the limbs 110 (20.5%), regional musculo-skeletal disorders 83 (15.5%),
arthritis associated with infections 50 (9.3%), chronic infl ammatory and connective tissue diseases
44 (8.2%), crystalline arthropathies 32 (5.9%) and miscellaneous (unclassifi ed) rheumatic conditions
21 (4.1%).
Conclusion: From these results, we concluded that degenerative disease of the spine and limbs
are the most common forms of rheumatic disease in this region. Gout is the most commnon acute
infl ammatory arthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis the most prevalent arthropathy due to chronic
infl ammation.
Background: The spectrum of rheumatic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa remains poorly defi ned.
Objectives: To determine the spectrum of rheumatic diseases in Yaounde.
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: Rheumatology clinic at the Yaounde General Hospital, Cameroon.
Subjects: Twelve thousand four hundred and ninety four patients were referred to the outpatient
department of the Internal Medicine service of the General Hospital of Yaounde over a 12-month
period. Of these cases, 536 (9.4%) were diagnosed as belonging to the general class of rheumatic
conditions. There were 334 (62.31%) females and 202 (37.69%) males. The mean age was 52.72 ±
5.3 years.
Results: The 536 cases were further classifi ed as follows: degenerative disease of the spine 196
(36.5%), osteoarthritis of the limbs 110 (20.5%), regional musculo-skeletal disorders 83 (15.5%),
arthritis associated with infections 50 (9.3%), chronic infl ammatory and connective tissue diseases
44 (8.2%), crystalline arthropathies 32 (5.9%) and miscellaneous (unclassifi ed) rheumatic conditions
21 (4.1%).
Conclusion: From these results, we concluded that degenerative disease of the spine and limbs
are the most common forms of rheumatic disease in this region. Gout is the most commnon acute
infl ammatory arthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis the most prevalent arthropathy due to chronic
infl ammation.
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