Interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis: recent advances

Korean Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Interstitial Lung Diseases: Part 5. Connective Tissue Disease Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Connective tissue disease (CTD) is a collection of disorders characterized by various signs and symptoms such as circulation of autoantibodies in the entire system causing damage to internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) which is associated with CTD is referred to as CTD-ILD. Patients diagnosed with ILD should be thoroughly examined for the co-occurrence of CTD, since the treatment procedures and prognosis of CTD-ILD are vary from those of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. The representative types of CTD which may accompany ILD include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis (SSc), Sjögren's syndrome, mixed CTD, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, and systemic lupus erythematous. Of these, ILD most frequently co-exists with SSc. If an ILD is observed in the chest, high resolution computed tomography and specific diagnostic criteria for any type of CTD are met, then a diagnosis of CTD-ILD is made. It is challenging to conduct a properly designed randomized study on CTD-ILD, due to low incidence. Therefore, CTD-ILD treatment approach is yet to been established in absence of randomized controlled clinical trials, with the exception of SSc-ILD. When a patient is presented with acute CTD-ILD or if symptoms occur due to progression of the disease, steroid and immunosuppressive therapy are generally considered.

Nintedanib reduces pulmonary fibrosis in a model of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) develops in ~20% of patients with RA. SKG mice, which are genetically prone to development of autoimmune arthritis, develop a pulmonary interstitial pneumonia that resembles human cellular and fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, has been shown to reduce the decline in lung function. Therefore, we investigated the effect of nintedanib on development of pulmonary fibrosis and joint disease in female SKG mice with arthritis induced by intraperitoneal injection of zymosan (5 mg). Nintedanib (60 mg·kg-1·day-1 via oral gavage) was started 5 or 10 wk after injection of zymosan. Arthritis and lung fibrosis outcome measures were assessed after 6 wk of treatment with nintedanib. A significant reduction in lung collagen levels, determined by measuring hydroxyproline levels and staining for collagen, was observed after 6 wk in nintedanib-treated mice with established arthritis and lung disease. Early intervention with nintedanib significantly reduced development of arthritis based on joint assessment and high-resolution μ-CT. This study impacts the RA and ILD fields by facilitating identification of a therapeutic treatment that may improve both diseases. As this model replicates the characteristics of RA-ILD, the results may be translatable to the human disease.

Impact of interstitial lung disease on mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To identify the prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and assess its effect on mortality. A total of 3555 patients with RA, with chest X-ray or chest computed tomography (CT) data at enrollment were extracted from the KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis cohort, a nationwide prospective cohort for patients with RA in Korea. The patients were classified into two groups: (1) an ILD group by chest X-ray or chest CT scan, and (2) a non-ILD group by these modalities. After comparing the characteristics of the groups at enrollment, mortalities were compared using the log-rank test. To explore the impact of ILD on mortality, Cox proportional hazard models were used. Sixty-four patients (1.8%) were identified with ILD. Male and older patients were more common in the ILD group. During a mean follow-up of 24 months, 6 patients (9.4%) in the ILD group and 25 patients (0.7%) in the non-ILD group died; the survival rate was significantly worse in the ILD group (p < 0.01). On adjusted analysis, ILD was significantly associated with increased mortality (HR 7.89, CI 3.16-19.69, p < 0.01); the risk of death in patients with ILD was even higher than in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD, HR 4.10, CI 1.79-9.37, p < 0.01). The prevalence of ILD was 1.8% in Korean patients with RA. ILD is a major risk factor for mortality in patients with RA.

Recent advances in the pathogenesis, prediction, and management of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an overview of recently published articles covering interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the past year, many studies replicated previous findings in more diverse and occasionally larger populations internationally. Specifically, the association among cigarette smoking, high rheumatoid factor titer, elevated anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) levels, and RA-ILD was strengthened. Clinical characteristics, autoantibodies, and biomarkers to aid in RA-ILD development, progression, and mortality prediction were explored. Finally, direct and indirect treatment effects were highlighted.

SUMMARY

The ability to identify risk factors for preclinical RA-ILD has been enhanced, but the proper management strategy for these patients is yet to be defined. ACPAs and cigarette smoking are highly associated with RA-ILD, but the mechanistic relationship between lung injury and autoantibody generation remains unknown. There is conflicting evidence regarding the significance of a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) versus non-UIP pattern on high-resolution computed tomography. The use of biologic agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis does not appear to increase the risk of incident ILD or RA-ILD exacerbation. Randomized prospective studies of specific therapy for RA-ILD are still lacking.

Pulmonary manifestations of rheumatologic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review intends to provide an overview of the diversity and complexity of pulmonary manifestations of rheumatologic diseases and gaps in knowledge to effectively manage them.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diffuse lung disease in children with rheumatologic diseases represents a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders. Despite their significant morbidity and mortality, we have limited understanding about their pathogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology and current management approach of these disorders, highlighting tools which assist with diagnosis, risk stratification and therapy. In this context, we address the need to develop a standardized approach to diagnose at-risk patients with rheumatologic disease and to predict their progression and the need to develop robust studies which evaluate the factors and interventions that influence pulmonary disease outcome.

SUMMARY

Diffuse lung disease in children with rheumatologic diseases represents a heterogeneous group of severe autoimmune disorders. By adopting a collaborative research approach among multicenters to help diagnose, risk stratify, and understand disease progression, effective management decisions can be optimized to improve clinical outcome.

Thin-section chest CT findings in polymyalgia rheumatica: a comparison between with and without rheumatoid arthritis

We retrospectively compared the thin-section chest computed tomography (CT) findings between 25 patients of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 29 patients of PMR without RA. PMR patients showed high-frequency CT abnormalities (68.5%) regardless of the association with RA. Ground-glass opacity (56% vs. 24%), traction bronchiectasis (44% vs. 3%), architectural distortion (32% vs. 0%), centrilobular nodules (32% vs. 7%), and honeycombing (20% vs. 0%) were significantly more common in the PMR with RA group than in the PMR without RA group (P<.01). PMR patients with RA have more increased prevalence of chest CT abnormalities than those without RA.

Dissecting fibrosis: therapeutic insights from the small-molecule toolbox

Fibrosis, which leads to progressive loss of tissue function and eventual organ failure, has been estimated to contribute to ~45% of deaths in the developed world, and so new therapeutics to modulate fibrosis are urgently needed. Major advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathological fibrosis are supporting the search for such therapeutics, and the recent approval of two anti-fibrotic drugs for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has demonstrated the tractability of this area for drug discovery. This Review examines the pharmacology and structural information for small molecules being evaluated for lung, liver, kidney and skin fibrosis. In particular, we discuss the insights gained from the use of these pharmacological tools, and how these entities can inform, and probe, emerging insights into disease mechanisms, including the potential for future drug combinations.

A retrospective study of clinical characteristics of interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese patients

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics of ILD that are associated with RA.

Material/Methods

This was a retrospective study of 544 Chinese patients with RA (427 women and 117 men). RA-ILD was diagnosed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Patients with RA-ILD or with RA alone were compared in terms of age, sex distribution, duration of disease, clinical and laboratory parameters, history of smoking, and medication.

Results

Based on HRCT imaging, 83 (15.26%) patients with RA were diagnosed with ILD. ILD was more frequent in older patients (59.60±9.66 vs. 50.54±13.76 years, P<0.001), in those with a longer duration of disease (7.46±7.40 vs. 5.27±6.32 years, P=0.013) and in male patients (34.9% vs. 19.1%, P=0.001). RA-ILD was found to be associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity (odds ratio [OR]=2.56, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–6.43) and smoking (OR=3.38, 95% CI 1.65–6.95). Higher levels of C-reactive protein (OR=3.59, 95% CI 1.58–8.15), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) (OR=2.24, 95% CI 2.09–4.13), and rheumatoid factor (OR=3.72, 95% CI 1.56–8.86) were detected in association with RA-ILD. RA-ILD was more frequently observed in patients treated with steroids (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.18–3.09) or Tripterygium wilfordii (OR=2.56, 95% CI 1.21–5.40). Age (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.04–4.65), age at RA onset (OR=2.55, 95% CI 1.11–5.90), anti-CCP (OR=2.47, 95% CI 1.19–5.17), and steroid use (OR=1.83, 95% CI 1.04–3.20) were independently associated with RA-ILD in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

RA-ILD was associated with age, age at RA onset, anti-CCP, and steroid use. Anti-CCP antibodies might be important biomarkers of RA-ILD.

Utility of expiratory thin-section CT for fibrotic interstitial pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Collagen vascular disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CVD-ILD) must be differentiated from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) since prognosis and treatment strategies differ between these two conditions. However, differentiating between CVD-ILD and IPF is often difficult.

PURPOSE

To examine the utility of expiratory high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for differentiating between CVD-ILD and IPF.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy patients were examined with expiratory and inspiratory HRCT with CVD-ILD (n = 36) or IPF (n = 34). Associated diagnoses in patients with CVD-ILD were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 22), Sjögren syndrome (n = 3), scleroderma (n = 2), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (n = 1), and unspecified connective tissue disease (n = 8). Parenchymal abnormalities on inspiratory HRCT and visual extent of air trapping on expiratory HRCT were evaluated, statistical differences in HRCT findings between the two conditions were determined, and air trapping CT scores were correlated with the results of pulmonary function testing.

RESULTS

Air trapping was found in 27 (75%) of 36 cases of CVD-ILD and four (12%) of 34 cases of IPF. Seventeen of the 27 cases for which air trapping was exhibited with CVD-ILD were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. A significant difference in frequency of air trapping was seen between CVD-ILD and IPF (P < 0.0001). Frequency of centrilobular nodules was significantly higher in CVD-ILD than in IPF (P = 0.021). In contrast, frequencies of interlobular interstitial thickening and traction bronchiectasis were significantly higher in IPF than in CVD-ILD (P = 0.005, P = 0.007, respectively). Correlations were seen between visual extent of air trapping and pulmonary function test results such as air trapping index (P = 0.004, r = 0.34), closing volume/vital capacity (P = 0.0002, r = -0.47), and closing capacity/total lung capacity (P < 0.0001, r = -0.51).

CONCLUSION

The presence of air trapping on expiratory HRCT suggests CVD-ILD rather than IPF.

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial pneumonia and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: similarity and difference

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are increasingly recognized in patients with systemic diseases. Patients with early ILD changes may be asymptomatic. Features of ILD overlap among systemic diseases and with idiopathic variety. High-resolution computed tomography plays a central role in diagnosing ILDs. Imaging features are often nonspecific. Therapy- and complication-related lung changes would pose difficulty in diagnosing and classifying an ILD. Biology and prognosis of secondary ILDs may differ between different disease-related ILDs and idiopathic variety. Combination of clinical features, serological tests, pulmonary and extrapulmonary imaging findings, and pathology findings may help to diagnose ILDs.

Lung involvement in connective tissue diseases: a comprehensive review and a focus on rheumatoid arthritis

The lungs are frequently involved in Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most common pleuropulmonary manifestations that affects prognosis significantly. In practice, rheumatologists and other physicians tend to underestimate the impact of CTD-ILDs and diagnose respiratory impairment when it has reached an irreversible fibrotic stage. Early investigation, through clinical evidence, imaging and - in certain cases - lung biopsy, is therefore warranted in order to detect a possible ILD at a reversible initial inflammatory stage. In this review, we focus on lung injury during CTDs, with particular attention to ILDs, and examine their prevalence, clinical manifestations and histological patterns, as well as therapeutic approaches and known complications till date. Although several therapeutic agents have been approved, the best treatment is still not certain and additional trials are required, which demand more knowledge of pulmonary involvement in CTDs. Our central aim is therefore to document the impact that lung damage has on CTDs. We will mainly focus on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which - unlike other rheumatic disorders - resembles Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in numerous aspects.

Interstitial lung disease in the connective tissue diseases

The connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are inflammatory, immune-mediated disorders in which interstitial lung disease (ILD) is common and clinically important. Interstitial lung disease may be the first manifestation of a CTD in a previously healthy patient. CTD-associated ILD frequently presents with the gradual onset of cough and dyspnea, although rarely may present with fulminant respiratory failure. Infection and drug reaction should always be ruled out. A diagnosis of idiopathic ILD should never be made without a careful search for subtle evidence of underlying CTD. Treatment of CTD-ILD typically includes corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents.

Thoracic manifestations of collagen vascular diseases

Collagen vascular diseases are a diverse group of immunologically mediated systemic disorders that often lead to thoracic changes. The collagen vascular diseases that most commonly involve the lung are rheumatoid arthritis, progressive systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, and Sjögren syndrome. Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension are the main causes of mortality and morbidity among patients with collagen vascular diseases. Given the broad spectrum of possible thoracic manifestations and the varying frequency with which different interstitial lung diseases occur, the interpretation of thoracic images obtained in patients with collagen vascular diseases can be challenging. The task may be more difficult in the presence of treatment-related complications such as drug toxicity and infections, which are common in this group of patients. Although chest radiography is most often used for screening and monitoring of thoracic alterations, high-resolution computed tomography can provide additional information about lung involvement in collagen vascular diseases and may be especially helpful for differentiating specific disease patterns in the lung. General knowledge about the manifestations of thoracic involvement in collagen vascular diseases allows radiologists to provide better guidance for treatment and follow-up of these patients.

Non-infectious pulmonary complications of newer biological agents for rheumatic diseases--a systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

Lung disease is commonly encountered in rheumatological practice either as a manifestation of the underlying condition or as a consequence of using disease-modifying therapies. This has been particularly apparent with the TNF-α antagonists and exacerbations of interstitial lung disease (ILD). In view of this, we undertook a review of the current literature to identify non-infectious pulmonary complications associated with the newer biologic agents used for the treatment of rheumatic conditions.

METHODS

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE for reviews, meta-analyses, clinical studies and randomized controlled trials, case studies and series, published up to June 2010 using the terms rituximab (RTX), certolizumab, golimumab (GOL), tocilizumab (TCZ) and abatacept in the advanced search option without limitations. In addition, abstracts from International Rheumatology conferences and unpublished data from the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency and drug manufacturers were used to complement our search. References were reviewed manually and only those articles that suggested a potential relationship between the biological agent and lung toxicity, following exclusion of other causes, were included.

RESULTS

Reported non-infectious pulmonary adverse events with TCZ included a fatal exacerbation of RA-associated ILD, new-onset ILD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and allergic pneumonitis, as well as three cases of microbiological culture-negative pneumonia. Although RTX had a higher incidence of pulmonary toxicity, only 7 of the 121 cases reported involved rheumatological diseases. GOL treatment was associated with four cases of non-infectious pulmonary toxicity and two cases of pneumonia with negative microbiological studies. There were no episodes of pulmonary toxicity identified for either certolizumab or abatacept.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight an association between the use of newer biologic agents (TCZ, RTX and GOL) and the development of non-infectious parenchymal lung disease in patients with RA. Post-marketing surveillance and biologic registries will be critical for detecting further cases of ILD and improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of this process. As the use of these drugs increases, clinicians must remain vigilant for potential pulmonary complications and exercise caution in prescribing biologic therapies, particularly to rheumatological patients with pre-existing ILD.

Pulmonary manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis

Pulmonary disease is a major source of morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis, manifesting most commonly as interstitial lung disease, airways disease, rheumatoid nodules, and pleural effusions. The diagnostic assessment of respiratory abnormalities is complicated by underlying risk for infection, the use of drugs with known pulmonary toxicity, and the frequency of lung disease related to rheumatoid arthritis itself. Evaluation and management of rheumatoid arthritis-associated pulmonary disease frequently necessitates a multidisciplinary approach.

Respiratory symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis: relation to pulmonary abnormalities detected by high-resolution CT and pulmonary functional testing

Pulmonary disease is the most frequent and among the most severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, this issue has not been sufficiently studied in Egyptian patients. The objectives of the present study are to investigate the prevalence and types of pulmonary involvement using high-resolution computed tomography scan (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) and evaluate the association between respiratory symptoms and RA-lung disease in a group of Egyptian RA patients. Thirty-six RA patients were recruited; 34 females (94.4%) and 2 males (5.6%) with median age of 48.5 years, and none of them was smoker. Detailed medical and drug histories were obtained. PFT, plain X-ray of the chest, and HRCT were performed to all subjects involved. Nearly 64% of RA patients demonstrated abnormalities in PFT and 47% in HRCT. Mixed restrictive and obstructive pattern was the commonest. Nearly two-thirds of our patients reported one or more pulmonary symptom whether dyspnea, cough, wheezing, or phlegm. Dyspnea was the most frequent symptom. Respiratory symptoms were statistically more common in patients with lung disease. The advanced age, high radiological score, and severity of rheumatoid disease were found to be predictive of lung involvement. Among respiratory symptoms, dyspnea and cough were associated with any pulmonary abnormalities. When specific pulmonary abnormalities were considered, only dyspnea was identified as predictor for restriction. For obstructive abnormality, both cough and wheezing provided valid prediction. We conclude that pulmonary involvement is a common manifestation in Egyptian RA patients, and the pattern of involvement is generally consistent with other studies that were performed worldwide. Specific respiratory symptoms could be used as practical, easy, and cost-effective method, especially in older and with more severe RA patients, to discriminate patients in need of subsequent PFT and HRCT imaging.

Influence of anti-TNF therapy on mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: results from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register

BACKGROUND

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy has been associated with reports of rapid severe progression of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). However, reports also exist of favourable responses to anti-TNF therapy in patients with ILD. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of anti-TNF therapy on mortality in patients with pre-existing RA-ILD.

METHODS

Using data from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register, a national prospective observational study, 367 patients with pre-existing RA-ILD were identified (299 treated with anti-TNF therapy and 68 treated with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)).

RESULTS

70/299 patients (23%) in the anti-TNF cohort died after a median follow-up of 3.8 years compared with 14/68 (21%) in the DMARD cohort after a median follow-up of 2.1 years. The mortality was 68 deaths/1000 person years (pyrs) (95% CI 53 to 86) in the anti-TNF cohort and 92/1000 pyrs (95% CI 50 to 155) in the DMARD cohort, generating an age- and sex-adjusted mortality rate ratio (aMRR) of 1.26 (95% CI 0.69 to 2.31). After further adjustment for potential confounders, the aMRR fell to 0.81 (95% CI 0.38 to 1.73) for the anti-TNF cohort compared with the DMARD cohort. RA-ILD was the underlying cause of death in 15/70 (21%) and 1/14 (7%) patients in the anti-TNF and DMARD cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The mortality in patients with RA-ILD is not increased following treatment with anti-TNF therapy compared with traditional DMARDs. The proportion of deaths attributable to RA-ILD is higher in patients treated with anti-TNF therapy, although reporting bias may exist.

Thalidomide has a therapeutic effect on interstitial lung fibrosis: evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of thalidomide (THD) on interstitial lung fibrosis (ILF). In vitro, human fetal lung fibroblast (HFL-F) to myofibroblast (MF) trans-differentiation was induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. The effects of THD on trans-differentiation process or differentiated MF were evaluated by measuring hydroxyproline (HYP) content by alkaline hydrolysis colorimetry, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) protein by Western blot and alpha-SMA and pro-collagen III mRNA expressions by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; in vivo, a mouse model of ILF was generated by daily subcutaneous injection of bleomycin (BLM) in female C3H mice. Gastric perfusion of THD began 1 week prior to injection and lasted for 8 weeks. Lung specimens were harvested at different time-points (1, 4, 6 and 8 weeks) for pathology and immunohistochemistry examination. The HYP content, alpha-SMA and pro-collagen III mRNA expressions were also assessed. THD inhibited the up-regulation of HYP protein, pro-collagen III mRNA and alpha-SMA protein induced by TGF-beta1 in HFL-F cells, and additionally inhibited pro-collagen III mRNA expression on trans-differentiated MF. THD reduced HYP synthesis in the lung tissues of BLM-treated mice at week 4, and slightly reduced the numbers of alpha-SMA-positive cells. THD had an effect on ILF models both in vitro and in vivo.

Lipid-derived free radical production in superantigen-induced interstitial pneumonia

We studied the free radical generation involved in the development of interstitial pneumonia (IP) in an animal model of autoimmune disease. We observed an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum of alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone (POBN) radical adducts detected in the lipid extract of lungs in autoimmune-prone mice after intratracheal instillation of staphylococcal enterotoxin B. The POBN adducts detected by ESR were paralleled by infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. To further investigate the mechanism of free radical generation, mice were pretreated with the macrophage toxicant gadolinium chloride, which significantly suppressed the radical generation. Free radical generation was also decreased by pretreatment with the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor allopurinol, the iron chelator Desferal, and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor 1400W. Histopathologically, these drugs significantly reduced both the cell infiltration into the alveolar septal walls and the synthesis of pulmonary collagen fibers. Experiments with NADPH oxidase knockout mice showed that NADPH oxidase did not contribute to lipid radical generation. These results suggest that lipid-derived carbon-centered free radical production is important in the manifestation of IP and that a macrophage toxicant, an XO inhibitor, an iron chelator, and an iNOS inhibitor protect against both radical generation and the manifestation of IP.

Spectrum of fibrosing diffuse parenchymal lung disease

The interstitial lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation and/or fibrosis of the pulmonary interstitium. In 2002, the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society revised the classification of interstitial lung diseases and introduced the term diffuse parenchymal lung disease. The idiopathic interstitial pneumonias are a subtype of diffuse parenchymal lung disease. The idiopathic interstitial pneumonias are subdivided into usual interstitial pneumonia (with its clinical counterpart idiopathic interstitial pneumonia), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, acute interstitial pneumonia, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease, and lymphocytic pneumonia. Sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are the 2 most common granulomatous diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and dermatomyositis/polymyositis (causing antisynthetase syndrome) are diffuse parenchymal lung diseases of known association because these conditions are associated with connective tissue disease. Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome is a rare genetic diffuse parenchymal lung disease characterized by the clinical triad of pulmonary disease, oculocutaneous albinism, and bleeding diathesis. This review provides an overview of the chronic fibrosing diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. Its primary objective is to illuminate the clinical challenges encountered by clinicians who manage the diffuse parenchymal lung diseases regularly and to offer potential solutions to those challenges. Treatment for the diffuse parenchymal lung diseases is limited, and for many patients with end-stage disease, lung transplantation remains the best option. Although much has been learned about the diffuse parenchymal lung diseases during the past decade, research in these diseases is urgently needed.

[Pulmonary manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis]

INTRODUCTION

Lung disease is the most frequent and among the most severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several interesting advances have been made in recent years in our understanding of this respiratory disease.

STATE OF ART

1. The induction of BALT responsible for follicular lymphoid infiltrates has been demonstrated in the wall of respiratory bronchioles. These lymphoid infiltrates are similar to synovial and skin cellular infiltrates and secrete specific markers of RA (citrullinated proteins). These data strongly suggest a common pathogenic mechanism for RA in the joints and in other sites, such as the lung. 2. Improvements in high resolution computed tomography (HR- CT) increased the sensitivity of diagnosis. CT evidence of pulmonary disease is present in 50% of RA patients, but only 10% of these patients have clinical symptoms. The different lung manifestations, frequently combined, have been clearly described: pulmonary nodules (20%); small airways disease (30%): bronchiolitis, bronchiolectasis, and bronchiectasis; diffuse interstitial pneumonia of various types (20%). 3. Predictors of progression and therapeutic response remain unknown. Therefore treatment is empirical and based on usual indications and on drugs used in idiopathic fibrosis and other connective tissue pulmonary pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

New biological drugs such as TNF blocking agents or anti CD20 antibody could be beneficial. Infections and drug-induced pneumonitis are not described in this review but must be considered systematically when an RA patient presents with lung involvement.

Patterns of pulmonary function in smoking and nonsmoking patients with progressive systemic sclerosis

Pulmonary involvement is a prominent feature in systemic sclerosis and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. A restrictive ventilatory defect is typical and static lung volumes are usually reduced in patients with ILDs. The possibility of obstruction of small airways in progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been suggested by widespread bronchiolectasis and peribronchial fibrosis noted at necropsy. A total of 46 patients with a diagnosis of SSc were retrospectively included in this study. Patients were classified according to their smoking status (never smokers, n = 34 and ex or current smokers, n = 12). Patients were also compared on the basis of the presence or not of an obstructive pattern on spirometry. The purpose of this study was to establish if SSc patients who are smokers have a different pattern of pulmonary function involvement. Our hypothesis was that smoking habit was not the only cause of air trapping and that the existence of small airway involvement secondary to SSc itself cannot be excluded.

Abatacept: a T-cell co-stimulation modulator for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that has traditionally been treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In the European Union (EU), patients who fail to respond to traditional DMARDs may receive tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists. However, approximately one-third of patients fail TNF-alpha antagonists due to adverse effects or lack of efficacy, and there are limited treatment options available to these patients. As knowledge of the underlying immunopathology of RA evolves, new strategies for inhibiting the inflammatory process have emerged. It is well known that activated T cells play a key role in orchestrating the immunopathological mechanisms of RA. Inhibiting the full activation of T cells is a rational strategy in the treatment of RA and represents a novel method of inhibiting disease activity, distinct from inflammatory cytokine blockade. Here, the safety and efficacy of abatacept, a selective T-cell co-stimulation modulator recently approved in the EU, is reviewed in patients with RA who have shown an inadequate response to TNF-alpha antagonists. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase III trial of patients with an inadequate response to TNF-alpha antagonism, abatacept was effective in improving the signs and symptoms of RA, as well as patient-centered outcomes, such as fatigue, disability, and other mental and physical aspects of health-related quality of life. These improvements were sustained through 2 years during the open-label, long-term extension period. In this trial, abatacept demonstrated a safety and tolerability profile similar to placebo. Taken together, these data suggest that selective co-stimulation modulation with abatacept may be a viable option for patients who are refractory to both traditional therapies and TNF-alpha antagonists.

The course of established rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) varies over time in individual patients and there are marked differences between patients in its impact and progression. The course of RA is therefore unique to each individual patient and is affected by the overall pattern of disease; many patients have classical polyarticular disease but there is also a range of subtypes, such as fibromyalgic and polymyalgic disease. Some patients with RA enter a period of sustained remission; this varies between 10% and 36% of cases; its frequency is mainly influenced by the different approaches to studying RA patients over time, and does not represent a true difference in disease outcome. Most patients have persisting synovial inflammation and disease activity scores average between 3 and 4; there is some evidence that inflammation is less marked in late RA. Persisting synovitis results in increasing disability - this worsens by an average of 0.6% each year - and in joint damage, which increases by an average of 2% each year. Comorbidities and extra-articular features are commonplace: about one-third of patients, respectively, have associated cardiovascular disease, lung disease or extra-articular features, although severe extra-articular problems like vasculitis affect only about 10% of patients. Some aspects of the course of RA are influenced by genetic risks; currently these are only weak predictors but it is anticipated their value will increase with time.

Acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Acute exacerbation (AE) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is increasingly recognized as a relatively common and highly morbid clinical event. However, clinical data on AE in non-IPF interstitial pneumonia are sparse. This study was performed to find the frequency, clinical features, and outcome of AE in non-IPF interstitial pneumonia.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 10 patients who satisfied the modified Akira criteria for AE during follow-up of 74 patients with surgical lung biopsy-confirmed idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (I-NSIP) and 93 patients with biopsy-confirmed interstitial pneumonia associated with collagen vascular disease (CVD-IP).

RESULTS

AE occurred in six patients with I-NSIP (1-year frequency, 4.2%) and in four patients with CVD-IP (rheumatoid arthritis [RA], n = 3; scleroderma, n = 1), with 1-year frequency of 3.3%. Median age was 58 years (range, 47 to 75); six patients were female. AE occurred in two patients immediately after surgical biopsy. Median duration of acute symptom before hospital admission was 10 days (range, 1 to 30). Median ratio of Pao(2) to the fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio(2)) was 172 (range, 107 to 273), and Pao(2)/Fio(2) ratio was < 200 in six patients. Surgical lung biopsy performed at the time of AE in two patients revealed diffuse alveolar damage superimposed on nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern. Four patients with I-NSIP survived to discharge and were followed up for 24 months (range, 6 to 121).

CONCLUSION

AE occurred in the patients with I-NSIP with apparently better prognosis. In patients with CVD-IP, AE occurred mostly with RA-usual interstitial pneumonia in our small series with poor outcome.