Review of the annual rheumatology consultation service

This study was conducted as part of an evaluation of a year's worth of rheumatology consultations in the private sector in Mali. It is a retrospective and descriptive study assessing rheumatology consultations at the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (CDT) from 1 January to 31 December 2005, a period of 12 months. This evaluation involved 169 patients. We found that rheumatological conditions are not uncommon despite the embryonic nature of 'community rheumatology'. Women predominated, with a ratio of 1.34. Housewives and shopkeepers were the most affected. Low back pain was the main reason for consultation (41.83%). Osteoarthritis was the most common condition (95.42%), particularly affecting the spine. Gout was the most common form of metabolic arthritis (94.11%). Rheumatoid arthritis was the predominant autoimmune condition.