DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2023.v11i07.003

Pages: 1188-1191

Objective: To assess the relationship between the HLA genes with disease severity as assessed by radiological erosions in Bangladeshi patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we studied 52 RA patients who fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of RA. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed by sequence specific primer (SSP)—PCR. Radiological grading and erosive score of the hands and wrists was calculated according to the Larsen – Dale method. Demographic data and treatment given to the patients were obtained from their case records. Results: 71.2% had fatigue and fever followed by 78.6% male had anemia whereas 54.1% female had anemia. Plus, 96.2% were Anti-CCP positive. 90.19% had radiological evidence of bony erosion. Besides that, in double SE group mean Larsen score was 1.0±0.4 whereas in Non SE group it was 0.4±3.5. Conclusions: Erosive disease is more severe in individuals from Bangladeshi who have RA if the SE is present. Whilst we cannot discount the contribution of the SE presence, we would advocate early usage of DMARDs in every RA Patient to reduce joint erosions and future disability.