749The global prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A meta-analysis

Abstract

\n \n \n To determine the global prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on published studies and reveal factors which influence the RA prevalence estimates.\n \n \n \n Four electronic databases- ProQuest Central, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched for publications from 1980 and 2019, reporting prevalence estimates of RA. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to produce the pooled prevalence estimates. The potential sources of between-study heterogeneity were identified using sensitivity analysis, sub-group and meta-regression analyses.\n \n \n \n A total of 67 studies consisting of 212,335,171 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The global prevalence of RA was estimated 0.46% (95% CI: 0.39-0.54; I2=99.9%) with a 95% prediction interval (0.06–1.27). The point-prevalence of RA was 0.45% (95% CI: 0.38- 0.53%), while the pooled period-prevalence was 0.46% (0.36% and 0.57%). The highest RA pooled prevalence was estimated at 0.69% (95% CI: 0.47–0.95) derived from linked data sources studies. Based on subgroup analyses, the pooled prevalence of RA was influenced by geographical location, the risk bias of studies, period-prevalence method and urban population setting over the stratified periods.\n \n \n \n The global prevalence of RA was 460 per 100,000 population from 1980–2018, with a 95% prediction interval (0.06– 1.27%). RA prevalence estimates were influenced by geographical location, the risk bias assessment of studies, period-prevalence method and urban population setting over time.\n \n \n \n The global prevalence of RA was 460 per 100,000 population from 1980–2018, with a 95% prediction interval (0.06– 1.27%).\n