PIP: A case control study of rheumatoid arthritis and oral contraceptives (OC) 
or postmenopausal hormones was begun in women aged 20 in 2 hospitals in Athens, 
with same hospital, age-matched controls. Cases have diagnosed definite or 
classical rheumatoid arthritis and are being treated in rheumatology clinics. To 
date 135 cases and 104 controls have been interviewed. 5 cases (3.7%) and 5 
controls (4.8% used OCs, with a mean duration of 2 years for both, giving a 
relative risk of 0.76. 8 more cases and 6 controls were found who used OC for 
regulation of their menstrual cycle. 1.5% of cases and 3.8% of controls had used 
post-menopausal hormones. Univariate analysis showed that the cases had later 
menarche and fewer pregnancies and live births. Multiple regression analysis did 
not find OC or postmenopausal hormones significantly linked with rheumatoid 
arthritis. Number of pregnancies and children, however, were significantly 
higher in controls. Because of the small numbers and low power of the study, 
more subjects are being collected.