Rituximab improves interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that produces symmetric erosive synovitis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common extra-articular manifestation and produces higher mortality. Methods: Patients were diagnosed of ILD since February 2007 in multidisciplinary ILD unit and follow up in chest and rheumatology clinic. We analyzed the influence of rituximab treatment on functional impairment defined as a decrease > 10% FVC. The lung function was measured at each visit every 3 or 6 months We considering other factors that have been related to poor prognosis. Rituximab was used to treat RA joint and lung manifestations when other treatments could not be used for ILD. Results: We study 31 patients, 11 males, age of 70 ± 9.4 years, 18/31 were former or smokers. RA was diagnosed 7,9 ± 8,6 years before the ILD. ILD was diagnosed before RA in 10%. FVC decrease >10% ocurred in 13 patients (42%), rate of 58 patients/year and was related (p Table 1. Funtcional progresion on multivarible analisis In the model female, older age, UIP pattern, and longer time between RA diagnosis and ILD are risk factors for progression. However, treatment with RTX decreases this risk. Conclusion: Rituximab may slow the functional progression of patients with RA and ILD and controlling their joint manifestations without adverse effects.