Prevalence and Effects of Emphysema in Never-Smokers with Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Disease.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) have been linked to the existence of emphysema in never-smokers. We aimed to quantify emphysema prevalence in RA-ILD never-smokers and investigate whether combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) results in a worsened prognosis independent of baseline disease extent.

Methods

RA-ILD patients presenting to the Royal Brompton Hospital (n=90) and Asan Medical Center (n=155) had CT's evaluated for a definite usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, and visual extents of emphysema and ILD.

Results

Emphysema, identified in 31/116 (27%) RA-ILD never-smokers, was associated with obstructive functional indices and conformed to a CPFE phenotype: disproportionate reductio

SUBMITTER: Jacob J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5835571 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature