A study on the etiology and clinical profile of patients presenting with inflammatory arthritis in a tertiary care hospital, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh

Background: Inflammatory arthritis encompasses a range of autoimmune conditions that significantly impact patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to analyse the demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and disease patterns in patients diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving 200 patients diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis The study was conducted in the department of medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Center, Bhilai, Chhattisgarhat a tertiary centre. The patients were clinically evaluated by detailed history in the form of a questionnaire and thorough general, systemic and musculoskeletal examination and underwent laboratory investigations to establish the etiology. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS program. Results: Rheumatoid arthritis was the most prevalent condition (59.5%), followed by SLE (14%), Sjögren’s syndrome (6.5%), mixed connective tissue disease (6%), and ankylosing spondylitis (5.5%). Most patients were in the age group of 41-50 years (35%), with a female predominance (87.5%). The most common symptoms included joint pain (89%) and morning stiffness (89%). Laboratory findings revealed that 66.50% of patients had a positive ESR and 22.5% had a positive CRP. Among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the most common extra-articular manifestation was anemia (57.98%). Conclusions: Rheumatoid arthritis emerged as the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, followed by SLE predominantly affecting middle-aged females. Early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies, including lifestyle modifications and targeted therapies, are essential to improving patient outcomes. Increased awareness and early screening programs can help in the timely identification and treatment of these conditions.