Disease patterns of rheumatology outpatients seen in a tertiary hospital serving a multi‐ethnic, urban Asian population in Singapore. (17th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ng, Xinyi; Low, Andrea Hsiu Ling; Chew, Li‐Ching; Chong, Yong Yeow; Fong, Kok Yong; Lui, Nai Lee; Sim, Eugene; Tan, York Kiat; Yoong, Jon; Thumboo, Julian
• Is Part Of: International journal of rheumatic diseases. Volume 16:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 273
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2012-12-17
• Subjects: Asia -- hospital -- outpatient clinics -- rheumatic diseases -- Singapore; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Asia -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Rheumatic Diseases -- Periodicals; Connective Tissue Diseases -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.723
• DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-1841

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To describe the spectrum of diseases seen in an outpatient setting in the Singapore General Hospital, the largest tertiary referral centre in Singapore. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, medical records of patients scheduled for an appointment at the rheumatology specialist outpatient clinics over a 4‐month period (10 August 2010–31 December 2010) were reviewed. Primary diagnoses documented by the attending physician at the latest visit were recorded. Results: Among 4180 patients (29.5% male; mean [SD] age: 53.5 [15.1] years; 77.0% Chinese, 8.0% Malay, 8.8% Indian and 6.2% others), the spectrum of diseases seen was as follows [disease – definite n (%), probable n (%)]: Arthritis : rheumatoid arthritis – 958 (22.9%), 68 (1.6%); osteoarthritis – 452 (10.8%), 39 (0.9%); crystal arthritis – 417 (10.0%), 18 (0.4%); spondyloarthritis – 227 (5.4%), 61 (1.5%); psoriatic arthritis – 158 (3.8%), 9 (0.2%); other inflammatory arthritis – 153 (3.7%), 94 (2.2%); Connective tissues diseases : systemic lupus erythematosus – 412 (9.9%), 26 (0.6%); vasculitis – 105 (2.5%), 22 (0.5%); Sjögren's syndrome – 81 (1.9%), 32 (0.8%); overlap syndromes – 73 (1.8%); scleroderma – 50 (1.2%), 4 (0.1%); undifferentiated connective tissue diseases – 45 (1.1%), 106 (2.5%); myositis – 41 (1.0%), 12 (0.3%); antiphospholipid syndrome – 22 (0.5%), 7 (0.2%); polymyalgia rheumatica – 16 (0.4%); Others : soft tissue rheumatism – 155 (3.7%); osteoporosis – 61 (1.5%); other non‐rheumatologic conditions – 189 (4.5%); other rheumatologic conditions – 67 (1.6%). Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystal arthritis were the three most common rheumatological diseases seen in a tertiary referral centre serving a multi‐ethnic urban Asian population in Singapore.