Prediction of Dysphagia Severity and Diagnosis of Its Possible Causes in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
The primary goal of this cross-sectional study is to assess risk factors/predictors for dysphagia severity in RA. The secondary goals include demonstrating whether flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy can diagnose joint-affection-induced dysphagia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia are present among these patients. The main questions it aims to answer are * What are the predictors that are associated with dysphagia severity via flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy in rheumatoid arthritis patients? * Whether flexible fiberoptic pharyngolaryngoscopy can diagnose joint-affection-induced dysphagia in patients with RA? * Whether both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia are present in patients with RA?
• Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis defined by the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative (ACR/EULAR) 2010 classification criteria.
• Patients aged above 18 years old, well-orientated, and cooperative.