RA linked to Increased Pulmonary Function Abnormalities, claims study

Written By : Dr Satabdi Saha |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2021-07-29T09:00:33+05:30 | Updated On 29 July 2021 11:09 AM IST

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk for restrictive and obstructive pattern abnormalities on spirometry, which were not explained by confounding factors such as smoking reports a recent Study.

The study results have been published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Researchers under Lauren Prisco, from the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA, investigated the independent relationship of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with type and severity of pulmonary patterns on spirometry compared to general population controls.

The study was designed as a cross-sectional one investigating the association of RA and pulmonary function measures on spirometry among subjects who had spirometry performed for research purposes in the UK Biobank. RA cases were identified by self-report and current DMARD/glucocorticoid use. General population controls denied RA. Outcomes included continuous % predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), type of spirometric pattern (restrictive or obstructive), and severity. We used multivariable regression to estimate the effects of RA cases versus controls, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status/pack-years.

Results highlighted some key facts.

· Among 350,776 analyzed subjects with spirometry performed (mean age 56.3 years, 55.8% female, and 45.5% ever smokers), we identified 2,008 cases of treated RA. In multivariable analyses, RA was associated with lower % predicted FEV1 (β -2.93, 95%CI -3.63,-2.24), % predicted FVC (β -2.08, 95%CI -2.72,-1.45), and FEV1/FVC (β -0.008, 95%CI -0.010,-0.005) than controls.

· RA was associated with restrictive (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.21,1.52) and obstructive (OR 1.21, 95%CI 1.07,1.37) patterns independent of confounders. RA had the strongest associations for severe restrictive and obstructive patterns.

"RA was associated with increased odds of restrictive and obstructive patterns, and this relationship was not explained by confounders including smoking. In addition to restrictive lung disease, clinicians should also be aware that airflow obstruction may be a pulmonary manifestation of RA." the research team opined.

For full article follow the link: https://doi.org/10.1002/art.41791

Source: Arthritis & Rheumatology

Arthritis & Rheumatologyrheumatoid arthritispulmonary functionspirometry

Source : Arthritis & Rheumatology

Dr Satabdi Saha

Dr Satabdi Saha (BDS, MDS) is a practicing pediatric dentist with a keen interest in new medical researches and updates. She has completed her BDS from North Bengal Dental College ,Darjeeling. Then she went on to secure an ALL INDIA NEET PG rank and completed her MDS from the first dental college in the country – Dr R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital. She is currently attached to The Marwari Relief Society Hospital as a consultant along with private practice of 2 years. She has published scientific papers in national and international journals. Her strong passion of sharing knowledge with the medical fraternity has motivated her to be a part of Medical Dialogues.

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751