Drug use trends for arthritis and other rheumatic conditions and effect of patient's age on treatment choice.

Background: Little is known about the influence of the patient's age on selection of treatment for arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORCs). The aim of the present study was to examine drug use trends in patients with AORCs in ambulatory care and to study age-specific drug use.

Methods: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the outpatient department component of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used to examine ambulatory visits for AORCs during 2001-2005.