Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by erosive arthritis, and its pathological basis is synovitis. . At the beginning of the disease, the joints appear morning stiffness, swelling and pain. Finally, joint deformity may occur and normal joint function may be lost. Zhang Zhongjing, a medical sage, named a similar disease Li Jiefeng in Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, which is very close to the description of modern medicine.

RA is an ancient disease, and people have noticed the existence of rheumatoid arthritis for a long time.

Whether it is the complete works of Hippocrates on human anatomy in the 4th century BC, what is the function of rheumatism? Is the description of the word (Rheuma) or the systematic exposition of the etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Bilun article of Huangdi Neijing more than 2000 years ago, and the oldest evidence of rheumatoid arthritis discovered by Tennessee aborigines in 4500 BC-symmetrical erosive arthritis? This shows that rheumatoid arthritis has a long history.

What is the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in the population?

The global prevalence rate of RA is 0.2% ~ 1%, while that of China is 0.28% ~ 0.4 1%, with a total population of nearly 5 million. The ratio of male to female is about 1: 4, and about 80% of patients are women. The disease can occur at any age, but mostly occurs between 20 and 55 years old, which is closely related to genetic factors.