It is spreading fast.
A new global study powered by artificial intelligence has revealed a significant rise in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases over the past 30 years. Published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the research found that in 2021, approximately 17.9 million people worldwide were living with RA — marking a 13% increase since 1990. The authors suggest that previous estimates have greatly underestimated the true scale of the disease’s global impact.
The research team, led by Queran Lin from Imperial College London, used data from 953 global locations between 1980 and 2021. They applied AI tools to assess both years of life lost due to early death and years lived with disability — a combined measure known as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Despite a 32% decline in RA-related mortality since 1980, DALYs nearly doubled from 1990 to 2021, highlighting the growing long-term burden of living with the condition.
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joint tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. The study found the highest incidence of RA in Western Europe and North America, while lower rates were observed in African nations. In particular, West Berkshire in the UK had the highest incidence, and Zacatecas, Mexico, recorded the highest number of RA-related DALYs.
Interestingly, Japan was the only country where RA outcomes have improved over time, with Tokyo seeing a 22% drop in RA-related disability. Co-lead author Boazhen Huang of the City University of Hong Kong attributed this to Japan’s robust healthcare infrastructure, early diagnosis initiatives, and widespread use of biologic treatments. The country’s traditional diet, high in anti-inflammatory foods, may also play a role.
The study also noted a troubling trend: RA is increasingly affecting younger adults aged 20 to 54. The researchers emphasized the need for targeted public health measures, including lifestyle interventions and access to advanced therapies. For example, reducing smoking rates in China could potentially lower RA-related deaths among men by 17% and DALYs by 21%, according to their projections. The findings underscore the importance of early detection, healthier habits, and equitable treatment access to counter the rising burden of rheumatoid arthritis worldwide.
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