Objectives: To describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, and prognostic characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis at HNZ. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, over 5 years (2018-2023). The study was conducted in the internal medicine department and the rheumatology consultation unit, including all cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) classified according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria or with synovitis associated with erosion typical of RA. Sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and outcome variables were collected. Data analysis was performed using EPI INFO version 7 software. Results: The sample consisted of 117 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seen in internal medicine and rheumatology consultations. The hospital prevalence was 1.30%. The mean age of the patients was 45.7 years, with a range from 17 to 78 years; the 44 - 53 age group was the largest (29.05%). Females were predominant (80%). A history of RA (18%) and hypertension (17%) was the most frequently reported. The mean time to diagnosis was 15.7 months. Polyarthralgia was reported in 74% of patients. Deformities were present in 52% of patients, the most frequent being hammer fingers (32.47%), boutonniere fingers (31.62%), and ulnar drift (26.49%). Extra-articular manifestations were present in 68% of patients. Band-like epiphyseal demineralization was the most frequently observed radiological finding (65%). Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-inflammatory compound (AIC) were positive in 85% and 76.92% of patients, respectively. Methotrexate was used in 85% of patients, followed by hydroxychloroquine (31%) and sulfasalazine (18%). With remission or low activity at 6 months in 56.40% of cases. Conclusion: This study shows that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common in the Zinder region. Primarily affecting women, it is characterized by delayed diagnosis, high disease activity, joint deformities, and significant extra-articular manifestations. Early diagnosis and access to targeted therapies could improve the prognosis.
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