THE ROLE OF EXTERNAL FACTORS IN THE PROGRESSION OF ARTICULAR SYNDROME IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents one of the most significant medical and social problems in modern rheumatology. According to global statistics, the prevalence of RA is 10 million cases, with 50-55% of patients becoming disabled within the first five years of disease onset. The epidemiological characteristics of RA demonstrate substantial variability depending on the geographical and ecological features of the region of residence.