Curtis et al identified risk factors for gastrointestinal perforation in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The possibility of a bowel perforation should be considered in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and abdominal pain. The authors are from the University of Alabama, Universidad de Zaragoza, Genentech, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Outcomes Research Solutions.
Patient selection: rheumatoid arthritis
Risk factors for gastrointestinal perforation:
(1) older age (HR 1.6 for 40 to 64 years; 2.1 for >= 65 years)
(2) diverticulitis (HR 14.5; risk not increasedfor diverticulosis)
