Ramiro Sofia, Canhão Helena, Branco Jaime C
Serviço de Reumatologia, Hospital Garcia de Orta, EPE Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Acta Reumatol Port. 2010 Jul-Sep;35(3):384-90.
Rheumatic diseases (RDs) are among the most common diseases. In the developed world, they are the leading cause of disability and consume a large amount of health and social resources. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the impact of RDs on the general population in what refers to their prevalence, and repercussion on quality of life and function. However, no nationwide epidemiological studies on RDs have ever been performed in Portugal. With this research project we aim to estimate the prevalence of different RDs in Portugal, as well as to determine the burden of RDs, more specifically their impact on quality of life and functional and work capacity. A cross-sectional study will be performed, using a random sample of the Portuguese population. RDs will be screened through a structured interview, and subjects with a positive screening will be examined by a trained rheumatologist to establish the final diagnosis. The knowledge of the prevalence of RDs will contribute to the development of specific health plans for the current and future management of these diseases.
风湿性疾病（RDs）是最常见的疾病之一。在发达国家，它们是导致残疾的主要原因，并消耗大量的健康和社会资源。因此，评估风湿性疾病在患病率、对生活质量和功能的影响方面对普通人群的影响至关重要。然而，葡萄牙从未进行过全国性的风湿性疾病流行病学研究。通过这个研究项目，我们旨在估计葡萄牙不同风湿性疾病的患病率，并确定风湿性疾病的负担，更具体地说是它们对生活质量、功能和工作能力的影响。将使用葡萄牙人口的随机样本进行横断面研究。将通过结构化访谈对风湿性疾病进行筛查，筛查呈阳性的受试者将由训练有素的风湿病学家进行检查以确定最终诊断。了解风湿性疾病的患病率将有助于制定针对这些疾病当前和未来管理的具体健康计划。
