4 articles
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting approximately 0.5% of the global population. It represents a major cause of disability, reduced quality of life, and healthcare burden. The prevalence of RA is rising, especially in older populations and in low-income regions.
A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar for articles published between 2000 and 2025. Search terms included “rheumatoid arthritis”, “epidemiology”, “risk factors”, “economic burden”, and “healthcare disparities”.
RA prevalence ranges from 0.3% to 1.0%, with the highest values in Northern Europe (0.8–1.0%) and North America (0.7–0.9%), and the lowest in Africa (0.1–0.3%) and rural Asia (0.2–0.4%). Work incapacity has declined in several high-income countries, attributed to earlier diagnosis and the widespread use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Socio-economic status is a key factor for RA outcomes, with patients in the lowest income groups showing up to 50% higher disability rates. Other risk factors include female sex, HLA-DRB1 alleles, smoking, and environmental exposures. The economic burden is considerable, with direct and indirect costs disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, where RA frequently results in early work disability.
RA causes disability and reduces quality of life. Its prevalence is rising worldwide, with higher detection and better outcomes in high-income countries, while low-income countries face underdiagnosis and limited access to modern therapies. Reducing these disparities requires stronger healthcare systems, early diagnosis, and affordable and accessible treatments.
Recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis is a rare but significant pediatric condition caused by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11. Characterized by the repeated growth of benign exophytic lesions in the respiratory tract, recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis poses a considerable burden due to its recurrent nature, frequent need for surgical intervention, and potential impact on respiratory function. This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of pediatric recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis in the Republic of Moldova, identify high-risk groups, and explore the socioeconomic implications of the disease.
A retrospective, descriptive observational study was conducted using national data from 198 pediatric patients diagnosed with recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis and treated at the Emilian Coțaga Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Clinic between 1981 and 2013. Demographic, clinical, and epidemiological variables were analyzed, including age at onset, sex, incidence, prevalence, and geographic distribution. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods, correlation coefficients, and linear regression models. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel and Python, with significance set at p < 0.05, for the 95% confidence interval.
The average annual incidence was approximately 6 new cases, with a peak of 15 in certain years. The estimated prevalence reached 4.2 per 100 thousand children. Most patients were male, and the disease commonly manifested at ages 1 and 4. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between age, sex, and disease onset, particularly in males. Linear regression confirmed the predictive value of demographic variables, though the model's robustness is limited by sample size. No progression into adulthood was observed, and seasonal or cyclical patterns were not evident.
Pediatric recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis in the Republic of Moldova shows a male predominance and early age of onset, with a consistent but relatively low incidence rate. Demographic indicators may aid in identifying at-risk populations, while early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are essential to prevent complications. Expanding human papillomavirus vaccination coverage remains a critical public health priority. The findings support the need for prospective, multicenter research integrating vaccination status and immunological biomarkers to enhance disease prevention and control strategies.
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, characterized by recurrent lesions, presenting as reticular lesions, sometimes accompanied by atrophic, erosive, and/or ulcerative areas. Despite being one of the most common conditions affecting the oral mucosa, oral lichen planus remains an ailment with undefined etiology and unclear pathogenesis, imprecise management, and uncertain premalignant potential.
A narrative literature review study was conducted. A bibliographic search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Hinari, SpringerLink, the National Center of Biotechnology Information, and Medline. Articles published from 1990 to 2023 were selected using various combinations of keywords: “oral lichen planus,” and “epidemiology,” “etiology,” “pathogenesis,” “symptoms,” “management,” “histopathology,” and “malignant transformation.” After processing the data from these databases, 475 full articles were found. The final bibliography comprised 50 relevant sources, considered representative of the materials published on the topic of this synthesis article.
Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition associated with T-cell-mediated immune dysfunction. Triggers include autoimmune responses to local antigens, microorganisms, and stress. The disease results from a complex interplay of host factors, lifestyle, and environmental factors leading to T-cell-mediated immune dysregulation. Diagnosis of oral lichen planus is based on clinical features (multiple, bilateral, symmetrically distributed lesions, occurring most commonly on the buccal mucosa, dorsal tongue surface, and gingiva), histopathological findings (predominantly lymphocytic band-like infiltrate in the lamina propria, presence of apoptotic cells in the basal cell layer, absence of epithelial dysplasia), and immune-related changes (deposition of fibrinogen along the basement membrane zone, presence of granular fluorescent deposits containing IgA, IgG, and IgM in colloid bodies).
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition mediated by T-cells in response to various extrinsic antigens, modified autoantigens, or superantigens, with periods of remission and relapse and the potential for malignant transformation. The etiology and pathogenesis of this condition are complex, diagnosis relies on clinical features, histopathological findings, and immunological data, patient treatment is symptomatic, and the potential for malignant transformation varies. Nevertheless, prospective studies with large sample sizes, adequate treatment duration, and long-term follow-up are needed.
Type 2 DM accounts for over 95% of all diabetes cases worldwide and represents an important and independent cardio-metabolic risk factor. This is the first national study (Epidemiological study of widespread endocrine pathologies (diabetes, obesity) in the Republic of Moldova and its management strategy) that analyzes the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), prediabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia in the adult population of Moldova.
This is an epidemiological cross-sectional study with cluster random sampling. A face-to-face interview was conducted with the participants using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. All biochemical tests were performed in a certified laboratory. Statistical analysis used Spearman’s correlation test, chi-square, and Wilcoxon tests. The Research Ethics Committee of Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Minutes 3 from December 28, 2020) approved this study.
728 individuals were enrolled, of which 2.5% had unknown DM. Advanced age, obesity, and dyslipidemia were influencing factors for diabetes. 21.4% of participants had prediabetes, with a higher prevalence in men than in women (28.3% versus 18.9%). Only 23.2% of men and 30.4% of women had a BMI within the normal range. Abdominal circumference (AC) values greater than 102 cm and 88 cm in men and women, respectively, were determined in 39.4% of men and 53.8% of women.
Our study showed an increased prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, including prediabetes, as well as a high prevalence of abdominal obesity. Persons with unknown diabetes mellitus have been identified.