Thoracic Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Granulomatous Lung Diseases: A Practical Approach and Review of Common Entities

Granulomas are frequently encountered by pathologists in all types of lung specimens and arise from diverse etiologies. They should always be reported as necrotizing or non-necrotizing, with microorganism stains performed to evaluate for infection. With attention to distribution, quality (poorly vs well-formed), associated features, and correlation with clinical, radiologic, and laboratory data, the differential diagnosis for granulomatous lung disease can usually be narrowed to a clinically helpful "short list." This review describes a practical approach to pulmonary granulomas and reviews the clinicopathological aspects of common entities, including infectious (mycobacteria, fungi) and noninfectious (hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoid, and vasculitis) causes.

Genetic evidence reveals a causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial lung disease

Background/purpose: Previous epidemiological studies have associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet the causality of this relationship remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the genetic causal link between ILD and RA. Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics for ILD and RA were collected from public datasets. Relevant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected by executing quality control steps from the GWAS summary results. A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the causal relationship between the two conditions. The MR analysis primarily used the inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger regression methods. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger, leave-one-out, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), were conducted to evaluate the heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Replication analyses using Asian datasets were also conducted to enhance the robustness of our findings. Results: In the European population, RA was found to increase the risk of ILD by 9.6% (OR: 1.096, 95% CI: 1.023-1.174, p = 0.009). Conversely, ILD was associated with a 12.8% increased risk of RA (OR: 1.128, 95% CI: 1.013-1.256, p = 0.029). Replication analyses from Asian GWAS further supported these findings, particularly the increased risk of ILD attributable to RA (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18-1.49, p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Our findings underscore the clinical importance of screening for ILD in RA patients and suggest that effective management of RA could significantly benefit ILD patients. The potential applicability of novel RA treatments to ILD warrants further exploration. Additionally, racial disparities in the manifestation of these diseases should not be overlooked, as they may offer new perspectives for targeted therapies in diverse populations.

A validation of register-derived diagnoses of interstitial lung disease in patients with inflammatory arthritis: data from the NOR-DMARD study

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of knowledge concerning the validity of the interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnoses used in epidemiological studies on rheumatic diseases. This paper seeks to verify register-derived ILD diagnoses using chest computed tomography (CT) and medical records as a gold standard.

METHOD

The Norwegian Anti-Rheumatic Drug Register (NOR-DMARD) is a multicentre prospective observational study of patients with inflammatory arthritis who start treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. NOR-DMARD is linked to the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) and Cause of Death Registry. We searched registers for ILD coded by ICD-10 J84 or J99 among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or spondyloarthritis. We extracted chest CT reports and medical records from participating hospitals. Two expert thoracic radiologists scored examinations to confirm the ILD diagnosis. We also searched medical records to find justifications for the diagnosis following multidisciplinary evaluations. We calculated the positive predictive values (PPVs) for ILD across subsets.

RESULTS

We identified 71 cases with an ILD diagnosis. CT examinations were available in 65/71 patients (91.5%), of whom ILD was confirmed on CT in 29/65 (44.6%). In a further 10 patients, medical records confirmed the diagnosis, giving a total of 39/71 verified cases. The PPV of a register-derived ILD diagnosis was thus 54.9%. In a subset of patients who had received an ILD code at two or more time-points and had a CT scan taken within a relevant period, the PPV was 72.2%.

CONCLUSION

The validity of register-based diagnoses of ILD must be carefully considered in epidemiological studies.

Does a window of opportunity for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease exist?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammatory synovitis, eventually leading to joint destruction. Remarkable advancements in the emergence of molecular targeted therapies and the treatment strategy based on treat-to-target have made it possible for patients to lead their daily lives without disabilities. Specifically, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment without missing a 'window of opportunity' are crucial for improving joint outcomes. On the other hand, interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an extra-articular complication of RA and has an impact on life prognosis. Importantly, it has become evident that achieving remission of arthritis is critical not only for joint outcomes but also to prevent the irreversible progression of pulmonary fibrosis in RA-ILD. Therefore, a 'window of opportunity' may exist not only for joints but also for RA-ILD. However, within RA-ILD, there are cases that progress from an NSIP pattern or airway involvement to a UIP pattern, while there are cases without progression, suggesting that their disease behavior may be diverse. Thus, accumulating evidence is necessary to accurately determine the disease behavior of RA-ILD. This review provides an overview of clinical and radiological features and treatment strategies for RA-ILD, incorporating the latest findings.

Respiratory involvement in connective tissue diseases

Pulmonary involvement is doubtless one the most fatal organ manifestations of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) and involves the parenchyma, the vessels, the respiratory system itself, but also the muscles and the pleura. Close and regular screening assessments, identification of risk factors, clinical signs associated with the existence of lung disease should alarm the involved physicians treating these patients. The accurate classification is essential, as different treatment options are nowadays available. Pulmonary manifestations of ARD will be analyzed in this review article with special emphasis on interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.

Usefulness of Lung Ultrasound as a Method for Early Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose

To determine the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) compared to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the early diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Patients and Methods

An observational prospective study was performed. Were included patients with respiratory symptoms or/and, patients with crackles in auscultation during medical consultation. All patients underwent to chest X-rays, LUS, HRCT,and respiratory function tests.

Results

A total of 192 patients with RA were included. Mean disease duration was 16.8 ± 11.1 years. 72% were positive for rheumatoid factor or anti-citrullinated antibodies. Of the total number of subjects, 54.7% had respiratory symptoms. The other patients did not have respiratory symptoms, but they did have had crackles on pulmonary auscultation. B lines > 11.5 on the ROC curve predicted ILD (AUC 0.63; CI 95%: 0.55-0.71; p < 0.003). A DLCO value of <7.13 significantly predicted the presence of ILD (AUC 0.61; 95% CI: 0.52-0.70; p < 0.028).

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that LUS is a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of ILD in patients with RA, and together with DLCO, can adequately predict the presence of ILD in this population. LUS also helps to determine which patients with respiratory symptoms and signs suggestive for ILD are undergo to HRCT.

Early detection of interstitial lung disease in rheumatic diseases: A joint statement from the Portuguese Pulmonology Society, the Portuguese Rheumatology Society, and the Portuguese Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Society

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in connective tissue disease (CTD). Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential for informing treatment decisions and prognosis in this setting. Clear guidance on CTD-ILD screening, however, is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To establish recommendations for CTD-ILD screening based on the current evidence.

METHOD

Following an extensive literature research and evaluation of articles selected for their recency and relevance to the characterization, screening, and management of CTD-ILD, an expert panel formed by six pulmonologists from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, six rheumatologists from the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology, and six radiologists from the Portuguese Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine participated in a multidisciplinary discussion to produce a joint statement on screening recommendations for ILD in CTD.

RESULTS

The expert panel achieved consensus on when and how to screen for ILD in patients with systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and systemic lupus erythematous.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the lack of data on screening for CTD-ILD, an expert panel of pulmonologists, rheumatologists and radiologists agreed on a series of screening recommendations to support decision-making and enable early diagnosis of ILD to ultimately improve outcomes and prognosis in patients with CTD.

Wnt5a: A promising therapeutic target for inflammation, especially rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Wnt5a is a member of the Wnt protein family, which acts on classical or multiple non-classical Wnt signaling pathways by binding to different receptors. The expression regulation and signal transduction of Wnt5a is closely related to the inflammatory response. Abnormal activation of Wnt5a signaling is an important part of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

OBJECTIVES

This paper mainly focuses on Wnt5a protein and its mediated signaling pathway, summarizes the latest research progress of Wnt5a in the pathological process of inflammation and RA, and looks forward to the main directions of Wnt5a in RA research, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RA diseases by targeting Wnt5a.

RESULTS

Wnt5a is highly expressed in activated blood vessels, histocytes and synoviocytes in inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, sepsis, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It mediates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, regulates the migration and recruitment of various immune effector cells, and thus participates in the inflammatory response. Wnt5a plays a pathological role in synovial inflammation and bone destruction of RA, and may be an important clinical therapeutic target for RA.

CONCLUSION

Wnt5a is involved in the pathological process of inflammation and interacts with inflammatory factors. Wnt5a may be a new target for regulating the progression of RA disease and intervening therapy because of its multi-modal effects on the etiology of RA, especially as a regulator of osteoclast activity and inflammation.

A prospective observational cohort study of the efficacy of tofacitinib plus iguratimod on rheumatoid arthritis with usual interstitial pneumonia

Objectives

This study aims to assess the efficacy of tofacitinib (TOF) plus iguratimod (IGU) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (RA-UIP).

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort, single-center study. Data from 78 RA-UIP patients treated with TOF plus IGU, IGU plus conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), and csDMARDs were analyzed. Clinically relevant responses in RA activity assessment, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) assessment at baseline and follow-up were compared between groups to evaluate the efficacy of TOF plus IGU.

Results

A total of 78 patients were followed up for at least 6 months after treatment. There were significant changes in sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), and disease activity score (DAS) 28-CRP during the follow-up within each treatment group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. After 6 months of TOF plus IGU treatment, forced vital capacity (FVC)% (84.7 ± 14.7 vs. 90.7 ± 15.4) and HRCT fibrosis score (7.3 ± 3.4 vs. 7.0 ± 5.6) showed a significant improvement compared to the csDMARDs group (P = 0.031, P = 0.015). The TOF plus IGU-treated patients had a significantly higher regression and lower deterioration than the csDMARDs-treated patients (P = 0.026, P = 0.026) and had a significantly higher response (regression + stability), with overall response rates of 66.7% (16/24) vs. 35.7% (10/28) (P = 0.027), respectively.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that TOF plus IGU can simultaneously relieve RA and RA-UIP and be better than the csDMARDs with a higher response rate in RA-UIP, which may be a potential choice for "dual treat-to-target".

Anti-protein arginine deiminase antibodies are distinctly associated with joint and lung involvement in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

RA is a chronic inflammatory disease in which possible interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an extra-articular manifestation that carries significant morbidity and mortality. RF and ACPA are included in the RA classification criteria but prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for disease endotyping and RA-ILD are lacking. Anti-protein arginine deiminase antibodies (anti-PAD) are a novel class of autoantibodies identified in RA. This study aimed to assess clinical features, ACPA and anti-PAD antibodies in RA patients with articular involvement and ILD.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected joint erosions, space narrowing, clinical features and lung involvement of a cohort of 71 patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR RA classification criteria. Serum samples from these patients were tested for ACPA IgG (QUANTA Flash CCP3), and anti-PAD3 and anti-PAD4 IgG, measured with novel assays based on a particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT).

RESULTS

Anti-PAD4 antibodies were significantly associated with radiographic injury (P = 0.027) and erosions (P = 0.02). Similarly, ACPA levels were associated with erosive disease (P = 0.014). Anti-PAD3/4 double-positive patients displayed more joint erosions than patients with anti-PAD4 antibodies only or negative for both (P = 0.014 and P = 0.037, respectively). RA-ILD (15.5%, 11/71 patients) was associated with older age (P < 0.001), shorter disease duration (P = 0.045) and less erosive disease (P = 0.0063). ACPA were elevated in RA-ILD, while anti-PAD4 were negatively associated (P = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

Anti-PAD4 and anti-PAD3 antibodies identify RA patients with higher radiographic injury and bone erosions. In our cohort, ILD is associated with lower radiographic and erosive damage, as well as low levels of anti-PAD4 antibodies.

Radiographic airway abnormalities in untreated early rheumatoid arthritis are associated with peripheral neutrophil activation

BACKGROUND

The role of the lung for the initiation and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still unclear. Up to 10% of RA patients develop interstitial lung disease which remains a clinical challenge. Understanding early disease mechanisms is of great importance. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between peripheral neutrophil phenotypes and presence of pulmonary abnormalities (PA) on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in untreated early RA (ueRA).

METHODS

Clinical data and blood were collected, and HRCT performed at diagnosis on 30 consecutive anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) positive ueRA patients. HRCTs were evaluated for the presence of RA-associated parenchymal, airway and/or pleural abnormalities. Expression of phenotype markers on neutrophils were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of calprotectin, ACPA and RF were measured using immunoassays.

RESULTS

The frequency of having any PA was 60%. Airway abnormalities were present in 50%, parenchymal nodules in 43% and interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) in 10%. Unsupervised multivariate data analysis showed clustering of any PA with neutrophil activation, parameters of inflammation and RF titres. In univariate analysis, the patients with PA displayed significantly increased CD11b and decreased CD62L expression on neutrophils (1.2-fold, p = 0.014; 0.8-fold, p = 0.012) indicating activation and significantly increased RF IgM titre and CRP (5.7-fold, p = 0.0025; 2.3-fold, p = 0.0035) as compared to no PA. Titres of RF, but not ACPA, correlated with expression of the neutrophil activation marker CD11b. A stratified analysis demonstrated that airway involvement was the PA subtype with the strongest association with neutrophil activation.

CONCLUSION

We report a strong association between radiographic airway findings and activation of circulating neutrophils in early RA supporting a role of innate immunity and the lung at disease onset. Our results also indicate different contributions of RF and ACPA in the RA pathogenesis.

Unmet needs and perspectives in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: A critical review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis as the most common clinical manifestation, and interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) represents one of the most common and potentially severe extra-articular features. Our current understanding of the mechanisms and predictors of RA-ILD is limited despite the demonstration that an early identification of progressive fibrosing forms is crucial to provide timely treatment with antifibrotic therapies. While high resolution computed tomography is the gold standard technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of RA-ILD, it has been hypothesized that serum biomarkers (including novel and rare autoantibodies), new imaging techniques such as ultrasound of the lung, or the application of innovative radiologic algorithms may help towards predicting and detecting early forms of diseases. Further, while new treatments are becoming available for idiopathic and connective tissue disease-associated forms of lung fibrosis, the treatment of RA-ILD remains anecdotal and largely unexplored. We are convinced that a better understanding of the mechanisms connecting RA with ILD in a subgroup of patients as well as the creation of adequate diagnostic pathways will be mandatory steps for a more effective management of this clinically challenging entity.

Clinical features of asthma with connective tissue diseases

BACKGROUND

The clinical features of asthma with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are not well-known. This study therefore aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of asthma with CTDs.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the records of adults (≥18 years old) with asthma followed up between January 2010 and December 2019. We then compared the clinical features of asthma with and without CTDs.

RESULTS

Among 568 subjects with asthma, 42 subjects (7.4%) had CTDs. The most frequent concomitant CTD was rheumatoid arthritis (n = 23, 54.8%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 6, 14.3%). The proportion of women (with vs. without CTDs, 85.7% vs. 56.5%, p < 0.001) and Global Initiative for Asthma step were higher (Step 4 or 5, with vs. without CTDs, 81.0% vs. 62.0%, p = 0.01) in asthma with CTDs, whereas frequency of allergic rhinitis was higher in asthma without CTDs (with vs. without CTDs, 7.1% vs. 26.1%, p = 0.005). Eosinophil ratio (with vs. without CTDs, 2.1% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.009) and total immunoglobulin E level (with vs. without CTDs, 43 IU/mL vs. 237 IU/mL, p = 0.002) were lower in asthma with CTDs. In terms of lung function, percentage predicted forced vital capacity (with vs. without CTDs, 86.7% vs. 99.7%, p = 0.008) and percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV1) (with vs. without CTDs, 77.2% vs. 88.4%, p = 0.02) were all lower in asthma with CTDs. With multivariable analysis, CTDs (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, 95%CI 1.3-6.0; p = 0.008), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 3.8, 95%CI 2.1-6.7; p < 0.001) and asthma onset at <20 years old (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1-3.2; p = 0.03) were associated with low FEV1 (defined as %FEV1 < 80%) in asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma with CTDs was related to lower lung function and low-T2 inflammation asthma.

Tomographic pleuropulmonary manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis: a pictorial essay

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory and heterogeneous disease that affects several systems, especially the joints. Among the extra-articular manifestations of RA, pleuropulmonary involvement occurs frequently, with different presentations, potentially in all anatomic thoracic compartments, and may determine high morbidity and mortality. The most common pleuropulmonary manifestations in patients with RA include interstitial lung disease (ILD), pleural disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, rheumatoid lung nodules, airway disease (bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis), and lymphadenopathy. Pulmonary hypertension and ILD are the manifestations with the greatest negative impact in prognosis. HRCT of the chest is essential in the evaluation of patients with RA with respiratory symptoms, especially those with higher risk factors for ILD, such as male gender, smoking, older age, high levels of rheumatoid factor, or positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody results. Additionally, other etiologies that may determine tomographic pleuropulmonary manifestations in patients with RA are infections, neoplasms, and drug-induced lung disease. In these scenarios, clinical presentation is heterogeneous, varying from being asymptomatic to having progressive respiratory failure. Knowledge on the potential etiologies causing tomographic pleuropulmonary manifestations in patients with RA coupled with proper clinical reasoning is crucial to diagnose and treat these patients.

Diffuse lung involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: a respiratory physician's perspective

ABSTRACT

The lungs are one of the most common extra-articular organs involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is reported to occur in up to 60% to 80% of RA patients. Respiratory complications are the second leading cause of death due to RA. Although there is a wide spectrum of RA-associated respiratory diseases, interstitial lung disease is the most common manifestation and it impacts the prognosis of RA. There has been progress in understanding the management and progression of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and RA-associated respiratory diseases recently, for example, opportunistic pulmonary infectious diseases and toxicity from RA therapies. From a chest physicians' perspective, we will update the diagnosis and treatment of RA-associated ILD, methotrexate-associated lung disease, and the complication of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in RA in this review.

Isolated Recurrent Pleural Effusions in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Remission for Nine Years: A Case Report

The development of pleural effusion in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common entity, yet it is uncommon in patients without clinical arthritis and other clinical features of disease flare-ups. This case report describes a 58-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with sulfasalazine who developed recurrent large pleural effusion without clinical arthritis, after being in remission for nine years. Laboratory results showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, along with elevated inflammatory markers. Fluid analysis was suggestive of sterile exudative fluid, and adenosine deaminase of pleural fluid was negative. Culture and acid-fast bacilli of pleural fluid were both negative. Fluid cytology did not reveal any malignant cells. Chest X-ray showed right-sided pleural effusion, with underlying atelectasis. The clinical intervention included thoracentesis, piperacillin-tazobactam 4g q8 hr., prednisolone 10 mg, and sulfasalazine 1.5g. Upon hospital discharge, he was prescribed oral prednisolone 5 mg for two days, and colchicine 0.5 mg daily. After seven days, he presented with a recurrence of his symptoms and an X-ray revealed a new right-sided large pleural effusion. On the second admission, sulfasalazine was suspended, and he was switched to methotrexate. A remarkable improvement in the patient's condition was noted with an unremarkable X-ray and remained stable three months post-discharge on his following appointments as well. This report necessitates the need for the early diagnosis of a rheumatoid arthritis flare-up and the appropriate timely switch to the disease-modifying agent for better disease control.

Interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis: A multidisciplinary problem in rheumatology and pulmonology

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRDs) characterized by chronic erosive arthritis and systemic damage to internal organs, leading to early disability and reduced life expectancy in patients. A particularly important place among the systemic manifestations of RA is occupied by interstitial lung diseases (ILD) – the most severe form of pulmonary pathology in RA, defined as RA-ILD, which is pathogenetically associated with risk factors (smoking, etc.) and autoimmune mechanisms underlying RA. RA-ILD is a subtype of RA characterized by a severe course and a poor prognosis и неблагоприятным прогнозом. The review presents new data regarding risk factors and biomarkers for RA-ILD; modern diagnostic capabilities based on the use of functional lung tests, high-resolution computed tomography, ultrasound examination of the lungs. Particular attention is paid to the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy, including methotrexate, biologics, JAK inhibitors, and antifibrotic therapy. An algorithm for the pharmacotherapy of RA-ILD has been proposed.

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease in 161 Patients: A Retrospective Study

Objective

This study was conducted to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of CTD-ILD patients to provide strategies for clinical management.

Methods

This study collected and analyzed the clinical data and relevant examination results of 161 patients diagnosed with CTD-ILD between 01 January 2018 and 01 January 2021.

Results

A total of 161 CTD-ILD patients, 74.53% were females and 25.47% were males, 32.92% were elderly and 67.08% were non-elderly. The main clinical symptoms of CTD-ILD patients were cough (44.72%), decreased activity tolerance (40.37%). RA-ILD was the most common one in the non-elderly and the elderly CTD-ILD patients (48.15% and 50.94%, respectively). Compared with non-elderly, elderly patients with CTD-ILD had a longer duration of CTD (p=0.04). However, fatigue (p=0.005), activity tolerance (p=0.029), the incidence of pulmonary diffusion dysfunction (p=0.047), and systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII, p=0.014) (platelet × NLR) were all decreased. The standard deviation of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (p=0.024) and immunoglobulin (IgA) (p=0.033) was significantly increased. The smoking index was significantly higher in men than in women with CTD-ILD (p=0.000), but symptoms of reduced activity tolerance were less pronounced than in women (p<0.05). Elderly CTD-ILD patients (p=0.003) and women from non-elderly patients were prone to lower hemoglobin (p=0.000). Among the elderly, the lymphocyte ratio was more significantly elevated in female CTD-ILD patients than in males (p=0.018). In contrast, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and SII were lower in female (p=0.038) than in male CTD-ILD patients (p=0.043).

Conclusion

CTD-ILD mainly affects non-elderly and women. Age may not be involved with decreased activity tolerance and increased lung function impairment in CTD-ILD patients. However, the elderly patients with CTD-ILD, especially the elderly female patients with low inflammation levels and high immune disorders, have a poor prognosis.

Rationale and the Protocol for the Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated ILD: Screening and Evaluation in High-Risk Patients (RAISE) Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronic inflammatory joint disease with a prevalence of up to 1%. Various extra-articular manifestations have been reported, including rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). RA-ILD contributes to significant morbidity and is a leading cause of death in patients with RA. Detection of lung involvement is therefore important. However, the prevalence of RA-ILD is not well known and varies among different studies depending on the methods of detection. Multiple clinical risk factors and novel biomarkers have been explored. To evaluate the usefulness of these predictors and to evaluate the burden of interstitial lung disease (ILD) among patients with RA, we designed a study (RAISE, Rheumatoid Arthritis-associated ILD: Screening and Evaluation in high-risk patients) to assess the prevalence of RA-ILD among RA patients with high risk, and to identify potential clinical and biochemical markers associated with the condition.

Interstitial disease associated with connective tissue disease and vasculitis

Systemic autoimmune diseases comprise a complex, heterogeneous group of entities. Noteworthy among the pulmonary complications of these entities is interstitial involvement, which manifests with the same radiopathologic patterns as in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. High-resolution computed tomography is the gold-standard imaging technique; it enables us to identify and classify the disease and to determine its extent, providing useful information about the prognosis. In this group of processes, the most common pattern of presentation is nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. It is essential for radiologists to work together in collaboration with other specialists to reach the correct diagnosis and enable appropriate, integrated treatment.

Health disparities in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation that involves symmetric polyarthritis of small and large joints. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases represent a significant socioeconomic burden as they are among the leading causes of death and morbidity due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Health disparities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis affect outcomes, prognosis, and management of the disease.

Recurrent pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in a patient with Sjögren syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Pulmonary manifestations of Sjögren syndrome (SS) are variable and may involve the airway or lung parenchyma and increase the risk of vascular and malignant disease. However, to date, only one case of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) has been reported in a patient with SS. Here, we report a rare case of recurrent pulmonary AVMs with aggravating multiple cysts in a patient with SS during a period of 14 years.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 45-year-old woman was diagnosed with SS and pulmonary AVM in the right lung. Her AVMs were embolized successfully and she was followed up annually for 14 years. Eleven years after the initial treatment, her chest computed tomography showed new pulmonary AVMs in the left lung with aggravating multiple cysts.

DIAGNOSIS

We diagnosed her with SS according to the American-European consensus group criteria of 2010. Chest computed tomography and angiographic findings confirmed the recurrence of pulmonary AVMs.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient's recurrent pulmonary AVMs were successfully treated by embolization.

OUTCOMES

Although her multiple cystic lung lesions had been aggravating during 14 years, she received embolization for the pulmonary AVMs twice and developed no complication related to these procedures. Currently, the patient is 56 years old and still alive with good performance state.

LESSONS

To date, only one case of pulmonary AVM has been reported in a patient with SS. The patient died 2.5 years after the diagnosis without recurrence of AVM. Here, we present a rare case of recurrent pulmonary AVMs associated with aggravating multiple cysts in both lungs, which were observed during long-term follow-up, in a patient with SS.

Associations between shortened telomeres and rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease among U.S. Veterans

BACKGROUND

Shortened telomeres are associated with several different subtypes of interstitial lung disease (ILD), although studies of telomere length and ILD in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are lacking.

METHODS

Within the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry, we performed cross-sectional and case-control studies of prevalent and incident ILD, respectively. We randomly selected a subset of RA patients with ILD and individually matched them to RA patients without ILD according to age, sex, and VARA enrollment date. Telomere length was measured on peripheral blood leukocytes collected at registry enrollment using quantitative PCR (T/S ratio). Short telomeres were defined as a T/S ratio in the lowest 10th percentile of the cohort.

RESULTS

Our cross-sectional study cohort was comprised of 54 RA-ILD patients and 92 RA-non-ILD patients. T/S ratios significantly differed between patients with and without prevalent ILD (1.56 [IQR 1.30, 1.78] vs. 1.96 [IQR 1.65, 2.27], p < 0.001). Similarly, prevalence of ILD was significantly higher in patients with short vs. normal-length telomeres (73.3% vs. 32.8%, p = 0.002). Short telomeres were independently associated with an increased odds of prevalent ILD compared to normal-length telomeres (adjusted OR 6.60, 95% CI 1.78-24.51, p = 0.005). In our case-control analysis, comprised of 22 incident RA-ILD cases and 36 RA-non-ILD controls, short telomeres were not associated with incident RA-ILD (adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.06-13.4, p = 0.94).

CONCLUSION

Short telomeres were strongly associated with prevalent but not incident ILD among patients with RA. Additional studies are needed to better understand telomere length dynamics among RA patients with and without ILD.

Impacts of Low-Dose Total Glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii plus Methotrexate on Immunological Function and Inflammation Level in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose

This research mainly clarifies the impacts of low-dose- (LD-) total glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii (GTW) plus methotrexate (MTX) on immunological function and inflammation level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We enrolled 106 RA patients treated in Yanbian University Hospital between July 2019 and July 2021, including 56 cases (research group) intervened by LD-total GTW plus MTX and 50 cases (control group) treated with MTX, in addition to conventional treatment given to both groups. The improvement in immunological function (immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and IgM), inflammatory cytokines (ICs; C-reaction protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)), incidence of adverse reactions (ARs), joint function, and patient satisfaction were observed and compared.

Results

Statistical better improvements of immunological function, ICs, and joint function were observed in the research group compared with the control group. Besides, patient satisfaction was higher and the incidence of ARs was lower in the research group.

Conclusions

LD-total GTW plus MTX is highly effective and safe in enhancing the immunity, lowering the inflammation level, and improving the joint function of RA patients.

Pulmonary fibrosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis: from pathophysiology to treatment strategies

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterised by symmetric destructive arthritis and synovitis. Lung involvement is frequent, including in the form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). RA-ILD often presents with a radiologic and pathologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia, similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting the similarities between the two diseases, but other patterns and pathological associations are described.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis as well as the current and future therapeutic options.

EXPERT OPINION

Pulmonary fibrosis in the setting of RA-ILD is an example of genotype-environment interaction and involves multiple mechanisms including autoimmunity, inflammation and fibrogenesis. Despite that ILD conveys most of the exceeding mortality in RA patients, there are no official guidelines for the management of RA-ILD. Attention should be paid to potential lung toxicity of RA treatment even though some of them might help stabilise the ILD. Current standard of care is often composed of glucocorticoids that may be associated with immunosuppressive therapy. Following the approval of antifibrotic therapy for ILDs with a progressive fibrosing phenotype, current works are evaluating the benefit of such treatment in RA-ILD.

Novel Biomarkers, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Disease-A Narrative Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a systemic inflammatory disease marked by polyarthritis which affects the joints symmetrically, leading to progressive damage of the bone structure and eventually joint deformity. Lung involvement is the most prevalent extra-articular feature of RA, affecting 10-60% of patients with this disease. In this review, we aim to discuss the patterns of RA interstitial lung disease (ILD), the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ILD in RA, and also the therapeutic challenges in this particular extra-articular manifestation. The pathophysiology of RA-ILD has been linked to biomarkers such as anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), MUC5B mutation, Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6), and other environmental factors such as smoking. Patients at the highest risk for RA-ILD and those most likely to advance will be identified using biomarkers. The hope is that finding biomarkers with good performance characteristics would help researchers better understand the pathophysiology of RA-ILD and, in turn, lead to the development of tailored therapeutics for this severe RA manifestation.

Manifestaciones pulmonares de la artritis reumatoide, una revisión en tiempos de pandemia por SARS-CoV-2

La artritis reumatoide (AR) es una de las patologías crónicas de origen autoinmune más frecuentes. Su prevalencia varía del 0,5 al 1%, con un compromiso primario a nivel articular, generando gran discapacidad por las deformidades secundarias derivadas de un estado inflamatorio persistente. Considerando el alto impacto en la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen, sumado al alto costo de las intervenciones terapéuticas, se vuelve imperativo para el personal de salud sumar todos los esfuerzos para promover un diagnóstico temprano y reconocer las potenciales complicaciones con el fin de impactar positivamente en los desenlaces clínicos. Alrededor del 50% de los pacientes con AR pueden tener compromiso extraarticular, siendo el pulmón uno de los órganos más afectados. En época de pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 es necesario recordar los tipos de compromiso pulmonar en pacientes con AR y tener en cuenta la susceptibilidad de estos pacientes a cuadros infecciosos que pueden generar una gran morbimortalidad.

Thoracic Involvement in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Pathogenesis and Management

Thoracic involvement is one of the main determinants of morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), with different prevalence and manifestations according to the underlying disease. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common pulmonary complication, particularly in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other thoracic manifestations include pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), mostly in patients with SSc, airway disease, mainly in RA, and pleural involvement, which is common in systemic lupus erythematosus and RA, but rare in other ARDs.In this review, we summarize and critically discuss the current knowledge on thoracic involvement in ARDs, with emphasis on disease pathogenesis and management. Immunosuppression is the mainstay of therapy, particularly for ARDs-ILD, but it should be reserved to patients with clinically significant disease or at risk of progressive disease. Therefore, a thorough, multidisciplinary assessment to determine disease activity and degree of impairment is required to optimize patient management. Nevertheless, the management of thoracic involvement-particularly ILD-is challenging due to the heterogeneity of disease pathogenesis, the variety of patterns of interstitial pneumonia and the paucity of randomized controlled clinical trials of pharmacological intervention. Further studies are needed to better understand the pathogenesis of these conditions, which in turn is instrumental to the development of more efficacious therapies.

Syndecan-2 regulates PAD2 to exert antifibrotic effects on RA-ILD fibroblasts

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is the most common pulmonary complication of RA, increasing morbidity and mortality. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies have been associated with the development and progression of both RA and fibrotic lung disease; however, the role of protein citrullination in RA-ILD remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of peptidylarginine deiminase 2 (PAD2), an enzyme that catalyzes protein citrullination, is increased in lung homogenates from subjects with RA-ILD and their lung fibroblasts. Chemical inhibition or genetic knockdown of PAD2 in RA-ILD fibroblasts attenuated their activation, marked by decreased myofibroblast differentiation, gel contraction, and extracellular matrix gene expression. Treatment of RA-ILD fibroblasts with the proteoglycan syndecan-2 (SDC2) yielded similar antifibrotic effects through regulation of PAD2 expression, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling, and Sp1 activation in a CD148-dependent manner. Furthermore, SDC2-transgenic mice exposed to bleomycin-induced lung injury in an inflammatory arthritis model expressed lower levels of PAD2 and were protected from the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Together, our results support a SDC2-sensitive profibrotic role for PAD2 in RA-ILD fibroblasts and identify PAD2 as a promising therapeutic target of RA-ILD.

Clinical Overview of Arthritis with a Focus on Management Options and Preventive Lifestyle Measures for Its Control

ABSTRACT:

Arthritis is the spectrum of conditions that cause swelling and tenderness of one or more body joints with key symptoms of joint pain and stiffness. Its progression is closely tied to age. Although there are a number of arthritis types, such as, ankylosing, gout, joint infections, juvenile idiopathic, reactive and septic; the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the articulating smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones, where they form a joint, to breakdown. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks joints, beginning with the cartilaginous lining of the joints. The latter is considered a systemic disease, i.e. affecting many parts of the body, but the respiratory system is involved in 10 to 20 % of all mortality. Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability globally. Several preventive measures to control arthritis have been suggested, such as the use of analgesics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, moderate to vigorous physical activity and exercise, reducing sedentary hours, getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy body weight. Foods including, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, fish oil, medicinal plants and microbiota are vital protective methods. The intake of vitamins such as A and C, minerals e.g., selenium and zinc; poly unsaturated and n-3 fatty acids is also a significant preventive measures.

Bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: Specificity and diagnostic yield in a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bronchoscopy is a recognized method for obtaining specimens for the diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, its diagnostic properties remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the specificity of bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of NTM-PD, and to examine the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy for detecting nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) when patients cannot expectorate sputum with NTM.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 2657 patients who underwent bronchoscopy and mycobacterial culture between January 2004 and June 2018 in a tertiary care center in Tokyo, Japan. To examine the specificity of bronchoscopy, the first cohort comprised patients who underwent bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of lung cancer and mycobacterial culture. To investigate the diagnostic yield, patients with nodular bronchiectasis who underwent bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of NTM-PD were enrolled into the second cohort.

RESULTS

In total, 919 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer, 19 patients showed positive culture for NTM, and 14 patients showed findings for NTM-PD. Accordingly, the specificity was calculated as 900/905 (99.4%). In addition, NTM-PD was suspected before bronchoscopy in 199 patients; the diagnostic yield was 105/199 (52.8%). Four factors were associated with NTM-PD: upper lobe examination, absence of specific bacteria, absence of connective tissue disease, and a higher total computed tomography score.

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchoscopy has a high specificity for the diagnosis of NTM-PD. In addition, even when NTM is undetected in sputum, bronchoscopy may detect mycobacteria in approximately half of the patients suspected of having NTM-PD.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of symptomatic diffuse interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis in a Spanish population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In Spain, epidemiological studies of the prevalence of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA and its characteristics in our area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our hospital's interdisciplinary rheumatology and pulmonology clinic, a prospective longitudinal observational study was designed in which we included RA with respiratory symptoms and ILD confirmed by high resolution computed tomography.

RESULTS

Of the 2729 people with RA in our area, 47 had symptomatic ILD, estimating a prevalence of symptomatic ILD in RA of 1.72% (95% CI 1.26-2.29) with an age at diagnosis of RA of 57.3 ± 13.3 years. It was more frequent in men, 60.6% had a history of smoking, and 84.3% and 84.7% had rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies, respectively. The most frequent pattern was usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), appearing in 28 (31.1%). Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was more frequent in women, while the combined pulmonary fibrosis-emphysema (CPFE) syndrome presented exclusively in men.

CONCLUSIONS

We have analysed the prevalence of symptomatic RA-ILD in our area, which is lower than expected, probably in relation to the definitions used. We have also described that the UIP pattern is the most frequent in RA in our environment, followed by the NSIP. Lastly, we have analysed the prevalence of CPFE in RA, which reaches 13%, for the first time.

Autoantibody Seropositivity and Risk for Interstitial Lung Disease in a Prospective Male-Predominant Rheumatoid Arthritis Cohort of U.S. Veterans

Rationale: Prior studies investigating associations of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) seropositivity with risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) have mostly used cross-sectional or case-control designs.Objectives: To determine whether combined autoantibody seropositivity and higher individual autoantibody concentrations were associated with increased risk for RA-ILD in a prospective RA cohort.Methods: Within the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis prospective registry, we performed a cross-sectional study of prevalent ILD and a retrospective cohort study of incident ILD (diagnosed after at least 12 mo of longitudinal follow-up). We used logistic and Cox regression methods to determine whether combined RF/ACPA seropositivity and higher autoantibody concentrations were independently associated with greater risk for prevalent and incident ILD, respectively.Results: Among 2,328 participants (median age 64 yr, 89.3% male), 100 (4.3%) subjects had prevalent ILD at enrollment. During 14,281 patient-years of follow-up, 83 (3.7%) of the remaining 2,228 were subsequently diagnosed with incident ILD (5.8 cases per 1,000 person-years). Patients with combined RF/ACPA seropositivity had a higher probability of prevalent ILD compared with seronegative subjects (odds ratio [OR], 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-6.78). RF titers demonstrated a monotonic association with prevalent ILD (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.11-6.51 for low-positive [15-45 IU/ml] titers; OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.61-7.18 for high-positive [>45 IU/ml] titers; P for trend 0.01). Patients with high-positive (>15 U/ml) ACPA titers were also at higher risk for prevalent ILD (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.04-3.49) compared with ACPA-negative subjects. Combined RF/ACPA seropositivity was not associated with increased risk for incident ILD, nor were high- or low-positive RF or ACPA titers. In a piecewise linear spline model, however, RF titers greater than 90 IU/ml independently correlated with increased risk for incident ILD (hazard ratio, 1.68, 95% CI, 1.02-2.77).Conclusions: Combined RF/ACPA seropositivity and individual autoantibody concentrations were strongly associated with prevalent but not incident RA-ILD. Only patients with RF concentrations >90 IU/ml were observed to be at higher risk of incident RA-ILD.

The role of lung ultrasound B-lines and serum KL-6 in the screening and follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis patients for an identification of interstitial lung disease: review of the literature, proposal for a preliminary algorithm, and clinical application to cases

Screening and follow-up of interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) is a challenge in clinical practice. In fact, the majority of RA-ILD patients are asymptomatic and optimal tools for early screening and regular follow-up are lacking. Furthermore, some patients may remain oligosymptomatic despite significant radiological abnormalities. In RA-ILD, usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is the most frequent radiological and pathological pattern, associated with a poor prognosis and a high risk to develop acute exacerbations and infections. If RA-ILD can be identified early, there may be an opportunity for an early treatment and close follow-up that might delay ILD progression and improve the long-term outcome.In connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD), lung ultrasound (LUS) with the assessment of B-lines and serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 antigen (KL-6) has been recognized as sensitive biomarkers for the early detection of ILD. B-line number and serum KL-6 level were found to correlate with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and other clinical parameters in systemic sclerosis-associated ILD (SSc-ILD). Recently, the significant correlation between B-lines and KL-6, two non-ionizing and non-invasive biomarkers, was demonstrated. Hence, the combined use of LUS and KL-6 to screen and follow up ILD in RA patients might be useful in clinical practice in addition to existing tools. Herein, we review relevant literature to support this concept, propose a preliminary screening algorithm, and present 2 cases where the algorithm was used.

Group 3 Pulmonary Hypertension: A Review of Diagnostics and Clinical Trials

Group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a known sequelae of chronic lung disease. Diagnosis and classification can be challenging in the background of chronic lung disease and often requires expert interpretation of numerous diagnostic studies to ascertain the true nature of the PH. Stabilization of the underlying lung disease and adjunctive therapies such as oxygen remain the mainstays of therapy, as there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for group 3 PH. Referral to PH centers for individualized management and clinical trial enrollment is paramount.

Elicitation of Rheumatologist Preferences for the Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis After the Failure of a First Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Agent

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical guidelines do not provide strong recommendations for the choice of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) in patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX), and only limited evidence is available on factors influencing rheumatologist treatment decisions. We aimed to describe therapeutic preferences after the failure of a first-line strategy of MTX in simulated cases of patients with RA.

Methods

Fictional but realistic case-vignettes (n = 64) of patients with RA and an inadequate response to MTX were developed with a combination of RA-poor prognostic factors and comorbidities. Physicians were presented with eight vignettes and chose the most and least appropriate therapeutic option from the following six options randomly proposed 3 by 3: (1) replacing MTX with another csDMARD; (2) combining MTX with one or more csDMARDs; (3) adding a bDMARD of either TNF inhibitors (TNFi), tocilizumab (TCZ), abatacept (ABA), or rituximab (RTZ). A total of 1605 complete case vignettes were produced and randomly assigned to a representative sample of French rheumatologists. For each vignette, whenever a treatment was preferred, one point was incremented for this treatment; if this treatment was the least desired, one point was removed. Preferences were elicited using a normalized best–worst score.

Results

Two hundred and four French rheumatologists participated in the study with each vignette being assessed 20–28 times for a completion rate of 94%. TNFi was the first-choice strategy (80% of vignettes), except in cases with a history of infection and pulmonary comorbidity, where ABA was the first preference (85%). TCZ came third in 83% of the cases. Other options were never preferred and repeatedly yielded negative scores.

Conclusions

We observed a conservative trend with TNFi as the main therapeutic choice for patients with RA and inadequate response to MTX. Preference for bDMARD-based strategies increased with the number of RA-poor prognosis factors, whereas an increase in the number of comorbidities resulted in an increased preference for ABA. Understanding clinical decision-making will be particularly important as the therapeutic landscape for RA continues to evolve.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-021-00311-1.

Rheumatoid arthritis related interstitial lung disease

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a frequent extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) deeply impacting both quality of life and overall prognosis. Areas covered: A literature search was performed including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Many retrospective studies investigated the possible risk factors for RA-related ILD (RA-ILD), aiming to identify patients at risk. Among them, males, smokers, positivity of anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies have been associated with RA-ILD, such as some genetic haplotypes. Usual interstitial pneumonia is the histologic and radiologic pattern most frequently observed, followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. Since lung involvement can represent the RA onset, an early differential diagnosis with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia can be difficult or sometimes impossible. High-resolution computed tomography represents the gold standard for ILD diagnosis, while multidisciplinary discussion should be required to assess disease staging, severity and progression.  Expert opinion: Management of RA-ILD patients is challenging due to the lack of evidence-based data regarding both assessment and treatment. Moreover, the high variability of clinical presentation and evolution makes it difficult to establish the correct therapeutic strategy. Currently, multidisciplinary approach, including at least rheumatologists, pulmonologists, and radiologists, is desirable to define therapy and follow-up strategies.

Pleural effusion in psoriatic arthritis patients: a case series and review of the literature

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis. Pulmonary involvement is a rare extra-articular manifestation of the disease characterized by rigidity of the chest wall and apical pulmonary fibrosis. Pleural effusion is uncommon in PsA. We present four cases of patients with PsA who developed pleural effusions. We report for the first time a PsA patient who was drug-naïve and developed unilateral pleuritis. We also describe one PsA case with pleuritis while he was on methotrexate (MTX) and two PsA cases on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. The literature review revealed six cases with pleural effusion, which were drug-induced. These patients presented pleural effusions while they were treated with MTX (2 patients) and TNF inhibitors (4 patients). In PsA patients with pleuritis, a detailed investigation to rule out infections is necessary. In addition, increased pharmacovigilance will detect cases of drug-induced serositis.

Pathological Insight into 5-HT2B Receptor Activation in Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of more than 200 conditions, of which primarily idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, ILD associated with autoimmune diseases and sarcoidosis may present a progressive fibrosing (PF) phenotype. Despite different aetiology and histopathological patterns, the PF-ILDs have similarities regarding disease mechanisms with self-sustaining fibrosis, which suggests that the diseases may share common pathogenetic pathways. Previous studies show an enhanced activation of serotonergic signaling in pulmonary fibrosis, and the serotonin (5-HT)₂ receptors have been implicated to have important roles in observed profibrotic actions. Our research findings in support by others, demonstrate antifibrotic effects with 5-HT_2B receptor antagonists, alleviating several key events common for the fibrotic diseases such as myofibroblast differentiation and connective tissue deposition. In this review, we will address the potential role of 5-HT and in particular the 5-HT_2B receptors in three PF-ILDs: ILD associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc-ILD), ILD associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) and IPF. Highlighting the converging pathways in these diseases discloses the 5-HT_2B receptor as a potential disease target for PF-ILDs, which today have an urgent unmet need for therapeutic strategies.

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: Current update on prevalence, risk factors, and pharmacologic treatment

Purpose of review

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is one of the most serious extra-articular RA manifestations. RA-ILD is associated with worse physical function, lower quality of life, and increased mortality. RA-ILD is comprised of heterogeneous subtypes characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. Diagnosis can be difficult since the presentation of RA-ILD is characterized by non-specific symptoms and imaging findings. Management of RA-ILD is also challenging due to difficulty in precisely measuring pulmonary disease activity and response to treatment in patients who may also have articular inflammation. We provide a current overview of RA-ILD focusing on prevalence, risk factors, and treatment.

Recent findings

Research interest in RA-ILD has increased in recent years. Some studies suggest that RA-ILD prevalence may be increasing; this may be due to underlying biologic drivers or increases in imaging and recognition. Novel RA-ILD risk factors include the MUC5B promotor variant, articular disease activity, autoantibodies, and biomarkers of damaged pulmonary parenchyma. Treatment should focus on controlling RA disease activity, which emerging data suggest may reduce RA-ILD risk. Immunomodulatory and antifibrotic drugs may also treat RA-ILD.

Summary

RA-ILD is an underrecognized and serious manifestation of RA, but important progress is being made in identifying risk factors and treatment.