Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis in Chad: A series of 10 hospital cases

Objective. To describe the clinical, laboratory, comorbid and therapeutic features of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) in Chad. Methods. A retrospective single-center study was conducted in the Rheumatology Department of CHURN, N’Djamena, between January 2019 and December 2024. Patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA with symptom onset ≥60 years were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, comorbidity, treatment, HAQ and DAS28-CRP data were collected and analyzed. Results. Ten patients were included (mean age 68 ± 4 years; 60% female). Rhizomelic onset was observed in 70% of cases. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 8/10 patients and anti-CCP antibodies in 9/10. The main comorbidities were osteoporosis (60%), hypertension (30%) and diabetes (20%). Methotrexate was prescribed in 80% and corticosteroids in 70% of patients. Mean HAQ score was 25/60 and mean DAS28-CRP was 4.2. Conclusion. Elderly-onset RA in Chad is characterized by frequent rhizomelic onset, high serological positivity, common comorbidities and significant functional impairment. These findings highlight the need for individualized management and improved access to disease-modifying therapies.