In a recent Arthritis & Rheumatology review article, three experts discuss the use of immunosuppressants to target B cells in a patient with systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease.
Study: Are TNF Inhibitors Safe for Patients with RA-ILD?
Despite anecdotal reports to the contrary, a large observational study concludes that TNF inhibitors, compared with non-TNF biological or targeted synthetic DMARDs, do not cause higher rates of death or respiratory hospitalization in patients with RA-ILD.
Guidelines for ILD in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease
Over 50% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), and rheumatologists have long recognized this major cause of morbidity and mortality.1 Sindhu R. Johnson, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada, and director of the Toronto Scleroderma Program, notes that more recent studies have increased our awareness…
The Rheumatic Dangers of Wildfire Smoke
A recent study in A&R identifies an association between air pollutants, including fire smoke particulate matter, & both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) & RA-associated interstitial lung disease.
Air Pollution May Increase the Risk of RA & RA-Associated ILD
Exposure to air pollution, such as high levels of particulate matter from fire smoke and fossil fuel-related nitrogen oxides, may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), according to Kronzer et al. Their findings highlight the need for improved monitoring of air pollutants and suggest that addressing air pollution may help prevent RA and RA-associated ILD.
Experts Discuss Guidelines for Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease
Over 50% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), and rheumatologists have long recognized this major cause of morbidity and mortality.1 Sindhu R. Johnson, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada, and director of the Toronto Scleroderma Program, notes that more recent studies have increased our awareness…
Through Thick & Thin: Updates in Scleroderma
Pulmonary hypertension and Raynaud’s phenomenon are just some of the symptoms patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) may experience. Here are insights into the diagnosis and management of SSc.
Considerations for Lung Transplants in Patients with SARD-ILD
At this ACR Convergence 2024 session, Sonye Danoff, MD, PhD, discussed many factors that need to be considered before referring patients with SARD-ILD for lung transplantation.
Precision Medicine Benefits Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Experts provided insights into how precision medicine is being used to address the needs and care of patients with systemic sclerosis.
Lung Cancer in RA & RA-ILD
Brooks et al. evaluated the risk of lung cancer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) compared with the risk in matched controls without RA or RA-ILD. Understanding whether RA predisposes someone to lung cancer and whether patients with RA-ILD represent a uniquely high-risk group could inform cancer-screening strategies.