Clinical Features and Risk Factors for Baker's Cyst in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Baker's cyst (BC) is a complex complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a poor prognosis. This paper aimed to analyze the clinical features and risk factors for BC in patients with RA to assist clinicians in early warning and appropriate action. METHODS: The Clinical features of hospitalized RA patients with knee affected were analyzed retrospectively. The R software was used for the statistical analysis, while logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 367 RA patients with knee affected were studied, and BC was diagnosis in 15.3% of them. The BC group exhibited a higher proportion of knee-only affected than the non-BC group (p < 0.05), while the attributes linked to disease activity exhibited no disparity. Logistic regression analyses selected two independent risk factors for BC knee-only affected and anemia. 26.8% of patients with BC developed rupture, exhibiting a higher proportion of knee-only affected (p < 0.05), compared to those unruptured. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence and rupture of BC in RA patients were significantly related to local inflammation, but not to systemic one. Incorporating local treatment may be a more advantageous option compared to solely relying on systemic therapy.