Trends in Rheumatoid Arthritis Mortality Save
A recent study examines trends in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related mortality among U.S. postmenopausal women (aged 55 and older). They found RA mortality rates have declined, yet disparities in who is most affected persist, especially for white women, and those over 85 yrs of age.
RA disproportionately affects postmenopausal women - who (by menopausal status) happen to be at an even higher mortality risk. This study examines RA-related mortality in postmenopausal women examining the influence of race/ethnicity, region, and age, and projected future mortality rates through 2030. Data was gathered from the CDC WONDER database.
Between 1999-2023, there were 42,497 RA-related deaths. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) declined significantly from 5.75 to 2.51 per 100,000 (annual percentage change −3.53). Projections suggest that the downward trend in mortality will continue, with AAMRs expected to reach 1.55 per 100,000 by 2030.
The highest mortality rates were seen in non-Hispanic White women, followed by Hispanic or Latino, non-Hispanic Black, and other racial groups. The Midwest and West had the highest AAMRs, while the Northeast reported the lowest.
With RA and mortality risk, significant disparities persist by race/ethnicity, region, and age, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address inequities in healthcare access and outcomes.
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