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MALM, Sweden (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Some factors associated with the time shortly before and after birth may be linked to rheumatoid arthritis later in life, shows a new study.
Researchers in Sweden studied data from 77 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 308 people without the condition. They analyzed information such as birth weight, mother's age, the length of hospital stay after delivery, start of breastfeeding during the hospital stay, and father's occupation.
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Investigators found high birth weight, about eight pounds or more, was positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, low birth weight was not linked to the condition. Initiation of breastfeeding during the hospital stay and the father's occupation was also linked to the condition. Researchers found no other significant associations.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. The condition frequently begins between ages 50 and 70, but the onset of symptoms can start in the 20s and 30s. In rheumatoid arthritis, the membranes or tissues lining the joints become inflamed because the immune system attacks the tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: British Medical Journal, 2003;326:1068-1069
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