Study finds increased arthritis among chikungunya patients

Kozhikode: A study has found an increased case of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, among people who have contracted chikungunya. The study was led by Dr Aravind Chopra, Director and Chief Rheumatologist at the Pune Centre for Rheumatic Diseases.

Dr Asma Rahim, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Kozhikode Medical College, Prof. Binay Paul and Dr Ashish Mathews of Thiruvananthapuram were also part of the study.

The report of the study, conducted across major cities, including Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, has been published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.

The first survey was conducted during 2006-2008, when chikungunya was widespread. A second phase of the study was carried out 10 years later.

The study found that people who had no previous history of arthritis could develop the disease following chikungunya infection. Those who already had rheumatic diseases experienced a worsening of their condition. The difficulties were more pronounced among people with diabetes and hypertension.

The second phase of the study also found that, over the years, some people who developed arthritis following chikungunya recovered and returned to their previous condition.

However, in some cases, the disease progressed with severe muscle pain. Older people were affected more frequently. Like lifestyle diseases, rheumatic diseases can also affect cardiovascular health and cause complications in some patients.

With the support of the World Health Organization, the survey was conducted among 56,548 people at 14 centres across the country.

An estimated 19.5 crore people in India experience rheumatic problems, of whom 65 per cent are women. Around 42 lakh people have rheumatoid arthritis. In Kerala, the number is estimated at 1,50,000.

Dr Asma Rahim said the study showed that treatment combining modern medicine with Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems can be effective in managing rheumatic diseases.