Potential risk of TNF inhibitors on the progression of interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Exploring rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease a retrospective study from two Saudi tertiary care centers

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an increasingly recognized complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Many risk factors for RA-related ILD were reported. The current study aims to explore the features and risk factors of Saudi patients with RA-ILD.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study of patients with RA-ILD. Clinical and radiological data from patients with RA-ILD were obtained from electronic medical records, including demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, pulmonary function tests, ECHO, and HRCT images.

RESULT

Out of 732 patients, 57 had RA-ILD. The mean age at the time of ILD diagnosis was 61.9 (± 12.2) years. RA-ILD diagnosis was significantly less among females (p = 0.008). Patients who ever smoked had significantly more RA-ILD (p < 0.001). Patients with RA-ILD were more likely to present with medical comorbidities, namely diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (p < 0.001), and osteoarthritis (p = 0.030). The multivariate analysis revealed that the age (OR: 1.035, 95% CI: 48.45-52.86, p = 0.0001); gender (OR: 2.581, CI: 1.77-1.86, p = 0.001), DM (OR: 2.498, 95% Cl: 1.65-1.76, P = 0.0001), HTN (OR: 1.975, 95% Cl: 1.61-1.74, P = 0.019), IHD (OR: 6.043, 95% Cl: 1.89-1.93, P = 0.0001) have a significant positive association with RA-ILD. No significant differences were observed between seropositive parameters with or without RA-ILD (p > 0.05). The most common symptoms of RA-ILD were cough (55.6%) and dyspnea (30.2%), and the most common ILD pattern was Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) (55.6%) followed by Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) (38.9%). Traction bronchiectasis (75.5%) and glass ground opacities (73.6%) were also observed. The mean FVC and DLCO at baseline were 64.6% and 53.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of patients, Saudi RA-ILD patients had a predominant NSIP pattern conversely to what is seen globally. These findings could be explained by the lower rates of smoking in our patient population. Future prospective national studies are needed to confirm the current findings and better evaluate RA-ILD epidemiology and risk factors.

Connective Tissue Disease Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is a heterogenous collection of conditions with a diverse spectrum of interstitial lung disease (ILD) manifestations. Currently, clinical practice of lung-directed immunosuppression in CTD-ILD is supported by several randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with scleroderma and several observational, retrospective studies in other autoimmune conditions. However, given the harm of immunosuppression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, there is an urgent need for RCTs of immunosuppression and antifibrotic agents in fibrotic CTD-ILD populations as well as the study of intervention in patients with subclinical CTD-ILD.

Safety of Tocilizumab on Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

Purpose

The prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is particularly poor. Although drugs that do not contribute to the progression of ILD should be used in RA treatment, none have been established. This study evaluated the safety of tocilizumab in terms of ILD activity.

Patients and Methods

This study prospectively enrolled all 55 patients with RA complicated by ILD who were treated with tocilizumab at Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center from April 2014 to June 2022. The outcome measures were MMP-3 and KL-6 as biomarkers of RA and ILD activity, respectively, and the relationship between them was analyzed.

Results

Both MMP-3 and KL-6 were significantly improved at 6 months of treatment (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), and a weak correlation between MMP-3 and KL-6 was observed (R2 = 0.086, P = 0.087). The group with increased MMP-3 due to RA progression had significantly higher KL-6 at 6 months compared with the group with RA improvement (P < 0.05). Also, the group with ILD progression on computed tomography had significantly higher MMP-3 compared with the groups with improvement or no change of ILD (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The mortality rate was 0% at 6 months, 2.0% at 1 year, 16.7% at 2 years, and 32.4% at 3 years, and mortality from acute exacerbation of ILD due to respiratory infection increased over time.

Conclusion

RA activity and ILD activity were found to be related at 6 months of treatment. Tocilizumab does not seem to affect the mechanism of ILD progression, as most patients showed improvement in both MMP-3 and KL-6 with tocilizumab within 6 months, when this drug would be expected to affect the lungs directly. However, respiratory infection exacerbated ILD from 1 year after the start of treatment. As immunosuppressive drugs, including tocilizumab, have a risk of respiratory infection, it is important to identify early signs of infection.

Targeting Progression in Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Overview of Underlying Mechanisms, Molecular Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Intervention

Interstitial lung diseases comprise a heterogenous range of diffuse lung disorders, potentially resulting in pulmonary fibrosis. While idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been recognized as the paradigm of a progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease, other conditions with a progressive fibrosing phenotype characterized by a significant deterioration of the lung function may lead to a burden of significant symptoms, a reduced quality of life, and increased mortality, despite treatment. There is now evidence indicating that some common underlying biological mechanisms can be shared among different chronic fibrosing disorders; therefore, different biomarkers for disease-activity monitoring and prognostic assessment are under evaluation. Thus, understanding the common pathways that induce the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, comprehending the diversity of these diseases, and identifying new molecular markers and potential therapeutic targets remain highly crucial assignments. The purpose of this review is to examine the main pathological mechanisms regulating the progression of fibrosis in interstitial lung diseases and to provide an overview of potential biomarker and therapeutic options for patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

Janus kinase inhibitors vs. abatacept about safety and efficacy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a retrospective nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the leading causes of death and an essential prognostic factor. There is only limited evidence for the safety of anti-rheumatic drugs for patients with RA-ILD. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) by comparing it with abatacept (ABT) in patients with RA-ILD.

METHODS

This single centre, retrospective nested case-control study enrolled patients with RA-ILD treated with JAKi or ABT. To determine the safety of the two drugs for existing ILD, we compared their drug persistency, incidence rates of pulmonary complications, and change of chest computed tomography (CT) image. For their efficacy as RA treatment, disease activity scores and prednisolone (PSL)-sparing effect were compared. We performed propensity score matching to match the groups' patient characteristics.

RESULTS

We studied 71 patients with RA-ILD (ABT, n = 45; JAKi, n = 26). At baseline, the JAKi group had longer disease duration, longer duration of past bDMARD or JAKi use and higher usual interstitial pneumonia rate. After propensity score matching, no significant differences in patient characteristics were found between the two groups. No significant difference in the drug persistency rate for the first 2 years (ABT, 61.9%; JAKi, 42.8%; P = 0.256) was observed between the two matched groups. The incidence rate of pulmonary complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.683). The CT score did not change after the treatment for the ABT group (Ground-glass opacities (GGO): P = 0.87; fibrosis: P = 0.78), while the GGO score significantly improved for the JAKi group (P = 0.03), although the number was limited (ABT: n = 7; JAKi: n = 8). The fibrosis score of the JAKi group did not change significantly.(P = 0.82). Regarding the efficacy for RA, a significant decrease in disease activity scores after the 1-year treatment was observed in both groups, and PSL dose was successfully tapered, although no significant differences were observed between the two drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

JAKi is as safe and effective as ABT for patients with RA-ILD. JAKi can be a good treatment option for such patients.

Antifibrotic Agents in Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a common extra-articular clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that has negative impacts on morbidity and mortality. In addition, there has been no proven treatment for RA-ILD to date. Thus, we planned a meta-analysis of a literature search to confirm the clinical effects of antifibrotic agents in RA-ILD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted the literature search in Ovid MEDLIVE® databases, Cochrane Library databases, EMBASE, and KoreaMed and identified references elucidating the role of nintedanib or pirfenidone in adult patients with RA-ILD. Among the identified studies, those with comparative interventions, complete results of clinical trials, and available full text were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the effect of the antifibrotic agent on disease progression in RA-ILD patients assessed with a mean difference in the change of forced vital capacity (FVC) and the proportion of patients with an increase in percent predicted FVC of 10% or more over 52 weeks. Analysis for heterogeneity was assessed through I2 statistics. Meta-analysis with a fixed effect model was performed on changes in FVC.

RESULTS

A total of 153 articles were identified through database searches, of which 28 were excluded because of duplication. After additional screening, 109 studies were selected with full text and two articles qualified for analysis according to the set inclusion and exclusion criteria. As a result, two randomized controlled studies were selected, comparing nintedanib and pirfenidone to placebo, respectively. The meta-analysis revealed that antifibrotic agents showed a significant reduction in FVC decline compared to placebo in patients with RA-ILD (mean difference, 88.30; 95% CI, 37.10-139.50). Additionally, there were significantly fewer patients experienced an increase in percent predicted FVC of 10% or more in the antifibrotic agent group compared to the placebo group (Odds ratio 0.42; 95% CI 0.19-0.95, p = 0.04). There was no significant heterogeneity between the two included studies (χ2 = 0.35, p = 0.0007, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis suggests that nintedanib and pirfenidone may have clinical utility in reducing disease progression in patients with RA-ILD. Further research is needed to confirm the clinical benefits of antifibrotic agents in RA-ILD.

Characteristics of patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis in a French single-centre hospital

OBJECTIVES

To compare the features of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2TRA) patients using two different definitions according to the previous failure of targeted therapies.

METHODS

We stratified consecutive RA patients treated at Cochin Hospital into two groups, a D2TRA group and a non-D2TRA group, according to two definitions of D2TRA. Both definitions defined D2TRA as RAs failing at least two targeted therapies, with a different mechanism of action for the EULAR-D2TRA definition or without prejudging the mechanism of action and for the Alternative D2TRA definition.

RESULTS

We included 320 consecutive RA patients. We identified 76 EULAR-D2TRA and 244 non-DTRA patients, and 120 Alternative D2TRA and 200 non-DTRA patients. Compared with non-D2TRA, D2TRA patients from both definitions were more likely to have lower socioeconomic level, positive rheumatoid factor, interstitial lung disease, higher DAS28-CRP and were more likely to respond to rituximab and Janus kinase inhibitors. Although EULAR and Alternative D2TRA patients displayed similar clinical and biological features, they were characterized by different therapeutic profiles. We observed fewer patients receiving methotrexate in the Alternative D2TRA group (53% vs 64%, P = 0.046). Patients with Alternative D2TRA not fulfilling the EULAR definition (n = 44) had all received two successive first-line TNF inhibitors, a monoclonal antibody and a soluble receptor, and were comparable to EULAR-D2TRA patients with regards to all other characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Low socioeconomic status, diabetes, interstitial lung disease and absence of combination with methotrexate allow identification of D2TRA. In addition, the inclusion as 'early-D2TRA' of patients failing two TNF inhibitors in the EULAR definition of D2TRA would facilitate the rapid identification of D2TRA patients.

Real-world retention rates of biologics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Although biologics have their own characteristics, there are no clear criteria for selecting them to treat the patients with rheumatoid arthritis. To assist in selecting biologics, we investigated the retention rates of biologics at our institution. We examined retention rates, and reasons for dropout for biologics in 393 cases and 605 prescriptions (of which 378 prescriptions were as naive) at our hospital since October 2003. Throughout the entire course of the study, etanercept (ETN) was the most frequently used biologic, followed by adalimumab (ADA) and tocilizumab (TCZ). When narrowed down to the later period from 2010, ETN was still the most used, followed by TCZ and abatacept (ABT). When the retention rates were compared in biologic naive patients, the retention rates were TCZ, ABT, ETN, certolizumab pegol (CZP), golimumab (GLM), infliximab (IFX), and ADA, in that order. The retention rates were better with the first use of each biologic. The main reasons for dropout were primary ineffectiveness, secondary ineffectiveness, and infection. ETN was the most used biologic in our hospital, with an increasing trend toward the use of non-TNF inhibitors. Retention rates were higher in non-TNF inhibitors.

Targeted Therapy in Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune multisystem inflammatory disease in which lung involvement is the most common extra-articular manifestation. Parenchymal lung involvement or interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and there is a paucity of evidence-based guidance on how to best treat RA-ILD. This review article aims to evaluate the evidence from cohort studies and best real word data from registries. Extensive discussion of the relative merits and drawbacks of glucocorticoids, various biologics, small molecules and anti-fibrotics is presented. The limited available guidelines in RA-ILD are also discussed and a rational treatment algorithm is offered.

Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and associated cytokines in scleroderma associated interstitial lung disease

SSc-ILD (scleroderma associated interstitial lung disease) is a complex rheumatic disease characterized in part by immune dysregulation leading to the progressive fibrotic replacement of normal lung architecture. Because improved treatment options are sorely needed, additional study of the fibroproliferative mechanisms mediating this disease has the potential to accelerate development of novel therapies. The contribution of innate immunity is an emerging area of investigation in SSc-ILD as recent work has demonstrated the mechanistic and clinical significance of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its associated cytokines of TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha), IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta), and IL-18 in this disease. In this review, we will highlight novel pathophysiologic insights afforded by these studies and the potential of leveraging this complex biology for clinical benefit.

Better Safe than Sorry: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Interstitial Lung Disease, and Medication-A Narrative Review

It is well known that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are at an increased risk of developing non-infectious pulmonary complications, especially interstitial lung disease (ILD); however, the clinician must keep in mind that lung disease could not only be a manifestation of the underlying condition, but also a consequence of using disease-modifying therapies. New-onset ILD or ILD worsening has also been reported as a possible consequence of both conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents. This study is a narrative review of the current literature regarding the potential risk of developing interstitial lung disease along with the administration of specific drugs used in controlling rheumatoid arthritis. Its purpose is to fill knowledge gaps related to this challenging patient cohort by addressing various aspects of the disease, including prevalence, disease features, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.

Focus on Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α-Related Autoimmune Diseases

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents have been increasingly used to treat patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease and dermatological and rheumatologic inflammatory disorders. However, the widening use of biologics is related to a new class of adverse events called paradoxical reactions. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but it is suggested that cytokine remodulation in predisposed individuals can lead to the inflammatory process. Here, we dissect the clinical aspects and overall outcomes of autoimmune diseases caused by anti-TNF-α therapies.

Connective Tissue Disease Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is a heterogenous collection of conditions with a diverse spectrum of interstitial lung disease (ILD) manifestations. Currently, clinical practice of lung-directed immunosuppression in CTD-ILD is supported by several randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with scleroderma and several observational, retrospective studies in other autoimmune conditions. However, given the harm of immunosuppression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, there is an urgent need for RCTs of immunosuppression and antifibrotic agents in fibrotic CTD-ILD populations as well as the study of intervention in patients with subclinical CTD-ILD.

Radiological evaluation of interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with abatacept or JAK inhibitors for 1 year

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the radiological deterioration of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with abatacept (ABT) or Janus-kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for 1 year.

METHODS

This study enrolled 84 patients with RA who had started treatment with ABT (48 patients) or JAKi (36 patients) between 2017 and 2020. All patients underwent chest CT before administration and at 1 year post-treatment.

RESULTS

In all patients, the rate of deterioration of ILD in ABT and JAKi was 4.2% and 5.6%, respectively (p = 0.847). In the patients with pre-existing ILD, the rates of deterioration of ILD in the ABT and JAKi groups were 10.5% and 18.2%, respectively (p = 0.611). Meanwhile, newly developed ILD did not occur in the two groups without pre-existing ILD.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that the safety of pulmonary toxicity with ABT and JAKi treatments was similar in patients with RA. JAKi may be a potentially acceptable treatment option for patients with RA.

Scleroderma specific autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome patients with interstitial lung disease: Prevalence and associations

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been classically linked to interstitial lung disease (ILD) development, often in association with specific SSc autoantibodies. In the present report, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of SSc autoantibodies in 60 seropositive RA and 41 primary SS patients complicated or not by ILD. SSc autoantibodies were determined in patients' sera by a commercial immunoblot assay. RA ILD patients displayed higher frequency of SSc-specific antibodies at strong titers compared to RA-with no lung involvement (25% vs 3.1%, p = 0.01)[OR 95% CI:10.9 (1.2-94.5)], with no differences detected between primary SS groups. These data indicate that many seropositive RA ILD patients probably represent an overlap RA/SSc entity, requiring tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Recurrent bilateral lung infiltrates in a patient with ulcerative colitis

In all cases of ILD in patients with UC, drug-induced pneumonitis should be excluded. In patients who receive both anti-TNF-α and mesalazine and develop drug-induced pneumonitis, it is quite difficult to differentiate which is the actual causing agent. https://bit.ly/3AnNJNN.

SER-SEPAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease. Part 2: Treatment

OBJECTIVE

To develop multidisciplinary recommendations to improve the management of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

METHODS

Clinical research questions relevant to the objective of the document were identified by a panel of rheumatologists and pneumologists selected based on their experience in the field. Systematic reviews of the available evidence were conducted, and evidence was graded according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) criteria. Specific recommendations were made.

RESULTS

Six PICO questions were selected, three of which analysed the safety and effectiveness of glucocorticoids, classical synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and other immunosuppressants, biological agents, targeted synthetic DMARDs, and antifibrotic therapies in the treatment of this complication. A total of 12 recommendations were formulated based on the evidence found and/or expert consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the first official SER-SEPAR document with specific recommendations for RA-ILD management developed to resolve some common clinical questions, reduce clinical healthcare variability, and facilitate decision-making for 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.

Interstitial Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Practical Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease, which primarily causes symmetric polyarthritis. An extrarticolar involvement is common, and the commonly involved organ is lungs. Although cardiac disease is responsible for most RA-related deaths, pulmonary disease is also a major contributor, accounting for ~10-20% of all mortality. Pulmonary disease is a common (60-80% of patients with RA) extra-articular complication of RA. Optimal screening, diagnostic, and treatment strategies of pulmonary disease remain uncertain, which have been the focus of an ongoing investigation. Clinicians should regularly assess patients with RA for the signs and symptoms of pulmonary disease and, reciprocally, consider RA and other connective tissue diseases when evaluating a patient with pulmonary disease of an unknown etiology. RA directly affects all anatomic compartments of the thorax, including the lung parenchyma, large and small airways, pleura, and less commonly vessels. In addition, pulmonary infection and drug-induced lung disease associated with immunosuppressive agents used for the treatment of RA may occur.

Interstitial Lung Disease in a Woman with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Denosumab: A Case Report

The present report describes the case of an 84-year-old female Japanese patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who experienced exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) after denosumab (Dmab) treatment. The onset of RA occurred in 2008, and the patient had been treated with intravenous or subcutaneous injection of tocilizumab (TCZ) since 2009. In July 2013, she experienced a lumbar vertebral fracture and began treatment with 60-mg Dmab injection every 6 months in January 2014. The patient had a history of mild ILD and was evaluated for ILD by chest computed tomography (CT) imaging prior to the start of Dmab use. The vertebral fracture did not recur after the initiation of Dmab treatment, and her osteoporosis was successfully treated. However, she expressed a concern of exacerbations of cough and respiratory discomfort that had occurred since September 2019. The chest CT image in November 2015 showed minor ILD progression, whereas the image in September 2019 showed severe exacerbation of ILD. To treat this exacerbation, 10 mg of methylprednisolone (mPSL) and 2.5 mg of tacrolimus (TAC) were administered, and Dmab was discontinued. The patient was subsequently switched to oral bisphosphonate. The patient's respiratory discomfort and the finding of interstitial lung lesion in CT imaging improved after Dmab discontinuation. This case showed that exacerbation of ILD may occur after Dmab treatment, and physicians should consider the risks of Dmab-related ILD in patients with RA complicated by ILD.

Systematic review of the impact of drugs on diffuse interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To review the available evidence on the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments in associated diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD).

METHODS

Systematic review of studies evaluating the impact of pharmacological treatment in patients with RA and ILD. A bibliographic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane, a selection of articles and the methodological quality assessment (FLC 3.0 OSTEBA) and grading of the level of evidence (SING) of the selected articles were performed.

RESULTS

1,720 references were identified in primary search and 7 in manual or indirect. Forty-three articles were included: 7 systematic reviews, 2 randomized clinical trials, 5 cohort studies, 8 case-control studies and 21 case series. Methotrexate (MTX) and leflunomide (LEF) do not increase incidence, complications or mortality due to ILD. Although the results are not uniform, anti-TNF have often had worse outcomes in incidence, progression and mortality due to ILD than MTX, LEF, abatacept (ABA) and rituximab (RTX). The evidence found is scarce for JAK kinase and antifibrotic inhibitors, and controversial for IL-6 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence that MTX or LEF worsens the prognosis of patients with AR-EPID. RTX and ABA seem to have better results than other biologicals, such us TNFi, often achieving stabilization and, in some cases, the improvement of ILD in patients with RA.

Soluble programmed death molecule 1 (sPD-1) as a predictor of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Previous studies have indicated that the programmed death molecule 1 (PD-1) signaling pathway may play a key role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is not clear. We examined the serum levels of soluble PD-1 in patients with RA and its relationship with RA-ILD.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from 87 patients with RA (58 with ILD and 29 without ILD) and 45 healthy controls. Serum sPD-1 was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The pulmonary interstitial disease score was completed by a pulmonary physician and a radiologist through chest high-resolution computed tomography. Patients with RA-ILD were tested for lung function [e.g., forced vital capacity (FVC%), diffusing capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO%)]. Associations between ILD and various markers, including sPD-1 and confounding factors, were investigated by logistic regression analysis. Diagnostic values of sPD-1 for the presence of ILD were investigated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Serum sPD-1 levels were higher in RA patients with ILD than in RA patients without ILD and healthy controls (185.1 ± 109.0 pg/ml vs. 119.1 ± 77.5 pg/ml vs. 52.1 ± 21.7 pg/ml, P < 0.05). Serum sPD-1 levels were positively correlated with RF titer (P = 0.02, r = 0.249), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody status (P = 0.02, r = 0.243), and serum IgG levels (P < 0.001, r = 0.368), negatively associated with FVC% (P = 0.02, r = − 0.344), forced expiratory volume (FEV1%) (P  = 0.01, r = − 0.354), total lung capacity (TLC%) (P = 0.046, r = − 0.302), and was independently associated with the presence of ILD in RA patients by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of sPD-1 levels for the detection of ILD in RA patients were 58.6% and 75.9%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.689.

Conclusion

Serum sPD-1 levels were increased in RA patients with ILD. Increased sPD-1 may be a valuable biomarker to predict the presence of ILD in patients with RA.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12865-021-00460-6.

Sustained Long-Term Retention Rates of Abatacept in Combination with Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background and Objectives: Treatment for elderly (aged ≥75 years) patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is important because they usually have several complications and organ dysfunction and are more susceptible to drug-related adverse events. Abatacept (ABT) treatment is relatively safe in elderly RA patients; however, the real-world data of efficacy and long-term retention of ABT is sparse in such patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and long-term retention rates of ABT in elderly Japanese RA patients. Materials and Methods: This 10-year retrospective observational cohort study was performed in two centers in Fukushima, Japan. We reviewed the clinical features of elderly RA patients who received ABT and investigated the differences in retention rates with concomitant administration of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs). Results: The clinical characteristics of younger (<75 years old, 39 cases) and elderly (≥75 years old, 20 cases) RA patients were generally similar. Although the efficacy was also similar, the concomitant administration of csDMARDs with ABT differed between the two groups. Younger patients significantly decreased methotrexate (MTX) administration than elderly patients (p < 0.01), and elderly patients significantly received tacrolimus (TAC) (p < 0.01) or salazosulfapyridine (SASP; p = 0.01) than younger patients. The overall retention and infection-free survival rates were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Elderly RA patients showed sustained retention rates compared to younger RA patients. TAC and SASP can help to maintain sustained retention rates in elderly RA patients.

Abatacept in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: short-term outcomes and predictors of progression

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) is an extra-articular involvement that impairs the prognosis and for which there is still no well-coded treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate abatacept (ABA) effectiveness and safety in patients with RA-ILD.

METHODS

RA-ILD patients who started ABA treatment were consecutively enrolled. Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), clinical, laboratory and respiratory function variables were collected at baseline and after 18 months of ABA treatment. HRCT abnormalities were evaluated using a computer-aided method (CaM). ABA response was established based on the change in the percentage of fibrosis evaluated at HRCT-CaM, dividing patients into "worsened" (progression ≥ 15%), "improved" (reduction ≥ 15%), and "stable" (changes within the 15% range). The multivariate regression model was used to assess the associations between RA characteristics and ABA response.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (81% women, mean age 59.1 ± 8.0, mean disease duration of 7.5 ± 3.1 years) were studied. Five patients (11.4%) showed RA-ILD progression, 32 patients (72.6%) were considered stable, and 7 patients (16.0%) showed an RA-ILD improvement. The proportion of current smokers was significantly different between "worsened" patients, respect to those defined as "improved/stable" (p = 0.01). Current smoking habit (p = 0.005) and concomitant methotrexate treatment (p = 0.0078) were the two variables related to RA-ILD progression in multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with ABA is associated with a RA-ILD stability or improvement in the 88.6% of patients. Current smoking habit and concomitant treatment with methotrexate are the modifiable factors associated with RA-ILD worsening. Key Points • Abatacept plays a favourable role in the control of RA-ILD, with a significant worsening in only 11.4% of patients during a 18-month follow-up period. • The predictive variables related to RA-ILD progression during abatacept therapy are the concomitant treatment with methotrexate and current smoking habit.

Rheumatoid arthritis related interstitial lung disease - improving outcomes over 25 years: a large multicentre UK study

OBJECTIVE

This study explores whether the prognosis of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) has improved over time and assesses the potential influence of drug therapy in a large multicentre UK network.

METHODS

We analysed data from 18 UK centres on patients meeting criteria for both RA and ILD diagnosed over a 25-year period. Data included age, disease duration, outcome and cause of death. We compared all cause and respiratory mortality between RA controls and RA-ILD patients, assessing the influence of specific drugs on mortality in four quartiles based on year of diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 290 RA-ILD patients were identified. All cause (respiratory) mortality was increased at 30% (18%) compared with controls 21% (7%) (P =0.02). Overall, prognosis improved over quartiles with median age at death rising from 63 years to 78 years (P =0.01). No effect on mortality was detected as a result of DMARD use in RA-ILD. Relative risk (RR) of death from any cause was increased among patients who had received anti-TNF therapy [2.09 (1.1-4.0)] P =0.03, while RR was lower in those treated with rituximab [0.52(0.1-2.1)] or mycophenolate [0.65 (0.2-2.0)]. Patients receiving rituximab as their first biologic had longer three (92%), five (82%) and seven year (80%) survival than those whose first biologic was an anti-TNF agent (82%, 76% and 64%, respectively) (P =0.037).

DISCUSSION

This large retrospective multicentre study demonstrates survival of patients with RA-ILD has improved. This may relate to the increasing use of specific immunosuppressive and biologic agents.

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.

ABATACEPT IN MONOTHERAPY VERSUS COMBINED IN INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. MULTICENTER STUDY OF 263 CAUCASIAN PATIENTS

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of abatacept (ABA) in monotherapy (ABAMONO) versus combined-ABA, ABA plus methotrexate (ABAMTX) or ABA plus non-MTX conventional-DMARDs (ABANON-MTX), in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) (RA-ILD).

METHODS

Restrospective multicenter study of RA-ILD Caucasian patients treated with ABA. We analyzed in the three groups (ABAMONO, ABAMTX, ABANON-MTX) the following outcome variables: a) Dyspnea b) FVC and DLCO c) chest HRCT, d) DAS28-ESR, e) corticosteroid-sparing effect, f) ABA retention and side-effects. Differences between basal and final follow-up were evaluated. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the differences between the three groups.

RESULTS

We studied 263 RA-ILD patients (mean age 64.6±10 years) [ABAMONO (n = 111), ABAMTX (n = 46) and ABANON-MTX (n = 106)]. At baseline, ABAMONO patients were older (67±10 years) and took higher prednisone dose (10 [IQR 5-15] mg/day). At that time, there were no statistically significant differences in sex, seropositivity, ILD patterns, FVC and DLCO or disease duration. Following treatment, in all groups, most patients experienced stabilization or improvement in FVC, DLCO, dyspnoea, chest-HRCT as well as improvement in DAS28-ESR. A statistically significant difference between basal and final follow-up was only found in corticosteroid-sparing effect in the group on combined-ABA (ABAMTX or ABANON-MTX). However, in the multivariable analysis, there were no differences in any outcome variables between the three groups.

CONCLUSION

In Caucasian individuals with RA-ILD, ABA in monotherapy or combined with MTX or with other conventional-DMARDS seems to be equally effective and safe. However, a corticosteroid-sparing effect is only observed with combined-ABA.

Targeted therapies in interstitial lung disease secondary to systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. Current status and future development

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are characterized by systemic manifestations and multiple organ involvement, including the lung. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a cardinal manifestation of lung involvement in patients with ARD and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are used as first -line treatment. Targeted therapies, such as biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) and anti- fibrotic agents are new treatment options. In this review we discuss the role of targeted therapies in patients with ILD secondary to ARD.

Abatacept in interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis: national multicenter study of 263 patients

Objective

To assess the efficacy of abatacept (ABA) in RA patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (RA-ILD).

Methods

This was an observational, multicentre study of RA-ILD patients treated with at least one dose of ABA. ILD was diagnosed by high-resolution CT (HRCT). We analysed the following variables at baseline (ABA initiation), 12 months and at the end of the follow-up: Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) scale (1-point change), forced vital capacity (FVC) or diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (improvement or worsening ≥10%), HRCT, DAS on 28 joints evaluated using the ESR (DAS28ESR) and CS-sparing effect.

Results

We studied 263 RA-ILD patients [150 women/113 men; mean (s.d.) age 64.6 (10) years]. At baseline, they had a median duration of ILD of 1 (interquartile range 0.25–3.44) years, moderate or severe degree of dyspnoea (MMRC grade 2, 3 or 4) (40.3%), FVC (% of the predicted) mean (s.d.) 85.9 (21.8)%, DLCO (% of the predicted) 65.7 (18.3) and DAS28ESR 4.5 (1.5). The ILD patterns were: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (40.3%), non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (31.9%) and others (27.8%). ABA was prescribed at standard dose, i.v. (25.5%) or s.c. (74.5%). After a median follow-up of 12 (6–36) months the following variables did not show worsening: dyspnoea (MMRC) (91.9%); FVC (87.7%); DLCO (90.6%); and chest HRCT (76.6%). A significant improvement of DAS28ESR from 4.5 (1.5) to 3.1 (1.3) at the end of follow-up (P &lt; 0.001) and a CS-sparing effect from a median 7.5 (5–10) to 5 (2.5–7.5) mg/day at the end of follow-up (P &lt; 0.001) was also observed. ABA was withdrawn in 62 (23.6%) patients due to adverse events (n = 30), articular inefficacy (n = 27), ILD worsening (n = 3) and other causes (n = 2).

Conclusion

ABA may be an effective and safe treatment for patients with RA-ILD.

Systematic Review of the Impact of Drugs on Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To review the available evidence on the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments in associated diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD).

METHODS

Systematic review of studies evaluating the impact of pharmacological treatment in patients with RA and ILD. A bibliographic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane, a selection of articles and the methodological quality assessment (FLC 3.0 OSTEBA) and grading of the level of evidence (SING) of the selected articles were performed.

RESULTS

1,720 references were identified in primary search and 7 in manual or indirect. Forty-three articles were included: 7 systematic reviews, 2 randomized clinical trials, 5 cohort studies, 8 case-control studies and 21 case series. Methotrexate (MTX) and leflunomide (LEF) do not increase incidence, complications or mortality due to ILD. Although the results are not uniform, anti-TNF have often had worse outcomes in incidence, progression and mortality due to ILD than MTX, LEF, abatacept (ABA) and rituximab (RTX). The evidence found is scarce for JAK kinase and antifibrotic inhibitors, and controversial for IL-6 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence that MTX or LEF worsens the prognosis of patients with AR-EPID. RTX and ABA seem to have better results than other biologicals, such as anti-TNF, often achieving stabilization and, in some cases, the improvement of ILD in patients with RA.

Interstitial and Granulomatous Lung Disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung [ILD] disease and granulomatous lung disease [GLD] are rare respiratory disorders that have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Clinical presentation is polymorphic and aetiology is unclear.

METHODS

This was an ECCO-CONFER project. Cases of concomitant ILD or GLD and IBD, or drug-induced ILD/GLD, were collected. The criteria for diagnosing ILD and GLD were based on definitions from the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society and on the discretion of reporting clinician.

RESULTS

We identified 31 patients with ILD. The majority had ulcerative colitis [UC] [n = 22]. Drug-related ILD was found in 64% of these patients, 25 patients [80.6%] required hospitalisation, and one required non-invasive ventilation. The causative drug was stopped in all drug-related ILD, and 87% of patients received systemic steroids. At follow-up, 16% of patients had no respiratory symptoms, 16% had partial improvement, 55% had ongoing symptoms, and there were no data in 13%. One patient was referred for lung transplantation, and one death from lung fibrosis was reported. We also identified 22 GLD patients: most had Crohn's disease [CD] [n = 17]. Drug-related GLD was found in 36% of patients and 10 patients [45.4%] required hospitalisation. The causative drug was stopped in all drug-related GLD, and 81% of patients received systemic steroids. Remission of both conditions was achieved in almost all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

ILD and GLD, although rare, can cause significant morbidity. In our series, over half of cases were drug-related and therefore focused pharmacovigilance is needed to identify and manage these cases.

Management issues in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Summarize recent evidence on the identification and management of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical and subclinical interstitial lung disease (ILD) are frequent extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Better means of identifying and treating RA-ILD are needed to improve the prognosis, with a median survival of only 3-7 years after diagnosis. Several serum biomarkers are currently being evaluated for their ability to detect RA-ILD. Thorough evaluation and multidisciplinary discussion remains the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis of RA-ILD. Management is challenging with most RA disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) linked to pneumonitis. Methotrexate is typically avoided in clinically significant ILD, although alternative therapies including leflunomide and biologic DMARDs also carry risks in RA-ILD. Antifibrotics appear to slow the progression of ILD, and a large phase II trial exclusively in RA-ILD is underway. In addition, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, managing comorbidities, and lung transplantation evaluation are vital to improving patient outcomes in RA-ILD.

SUMMARY

With little high-quality evidence to guide the management of RA-ILD, multidisciplinary teams with expertise in RA-ILD are highly valuable for diagnosing and treating RA-ILD. Clinical and translational research in RA-ILD is needed to fill the many evidence gaps.

The lung in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients-an overview of different types of involvement and treatment

OBJECTIVES

Lung involvement in RA has several manifestations and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize the different types of lung disease and response to treatment in a UK cohort of RA patients.

METHODS

RA patients who had undergone high resolution CT scans of the lung were identified and scans reviewed. Demographic data, RA features, complementary exams and treatments were recorded for those with radiological evidence of lung involvement. Descriptive analysis was performed, and Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests were used for comparison between different radiological subtypes.

RESULTS

Lung disease was reported in 87 (7.7%) of 1129 RA patients, usually (97.7%) post-dating articular symptoms. Most patients had positive RF (74/84; 88.1%) and ACPA (72/82; 87.7%). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was the most common pattern, reported in 45 (51.7%) patients. Drug-induced lung disease was reported in 2 of 64 (3.1%) patients treated with MTX. Rituximab was used in 26 (57.8%) patients with ILD, with evidence of disease improvement or stabilization in patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia and organizing pneumonia. During lung disease follow-up (6.7 ± 4.1 years), 22 (25.3%) patients were admitted to hospital with respiratory infections, with 14 (63.6%) of them having underlying bronchiectasis. Lung disease-related mortality was estimated at 8%.

CONCLUSION

ILD was the most prevalent manifestation of lung involvement in RA and was associated with higher mortality. Immunosuppressive drugs used in RA were rarely associated with lung toxicity, and rituximab demonstrated promising results for the treatment of RA-ILD.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Lights and Shadows

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic inflammatory disease affecting 0.5–1% of the population worldwide. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a serious pulmonary complication of RA and it is responsible for 10–20% of mortality, with a mean survival of 5–8 years. However, nowadays there are no therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of RA-ILD. Therapeutic options for RA-ILD are complicated by the possible pulmonary toxicity of many disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and by their unclear efficacy on pulmonary disease. Therefore, joint and lung involvement should be evaluated independently of each other for treatment purposes. On the other hand, some similarities between RA-ILD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the results of the recent INBIULD trial suggest a possible future role for antifibrotic agents. From this perspective, we review the current literature describing the pulmonary effects of drugs (immunosuppressants, conventional, biological and target synthetic DMARDs and antifibrotic agents) in patients with RA and ILD. In addition, we suggest a framework for the management of RA-ILD patients and outline a research agenda to fill the gaps in knowledge about this challenging patient cohort.

Serum KL-6 elevation in a uveitis patient with Behçet's disease treated with adalimumab

Purpose

To report a case of uveitis with Behçet's disease in which serum levels of Krebs von den Lungen (KL)-6, a marker of interstitial lung disease, were elevated during treatment with adalimumab and returned to baseline after discontinuation of the agent.

Observations

A 67-year-old man complaining of vision disturbance was referred to our hospital. The patient had a history of recurrent episodes of bilateral uveitis and oral ulcers, and had been diagnosed with Behçet's disease. While uveitis activity was not well controlled under administration of oral prednisolone and cyclosporin, cataract of the right eye developed and required surgery. Biweekly administration of adalimumab 40 mg was therefore initiated with prednisolone at 15 mg/day. Uveitis became well controlled and cataract surgery was successfully carried out for the right eye. However, serum KL-6 gradually elevated to 1002 U/ml by 6 months after adalimumab initiation and 1277 U/ml at 9 months. Because serum KL-6 >1000 U/ml has been reported to predict interstitial lung disease, we discontinued adalimumab and started cyclosporine at 100 mg/day. Serum KL-6 gradually decreased and returned to baseline levels, no interstitial lung disease developed and exacerbation of uveitis was avoided.

Conclusions and importance

This case implies the clinical importance of monitoring serum KL-6 in patents with non-infectious uveitis being treated with adalimumab.

Safety of Abatacept in Italian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Interstitial Lung Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) is challenging, and many conventional and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been associated with ILD development or progression. The aim of this multicentric retrospective study was to analyze the evolution of ILD in Italian RA-ILD patients treated with abatacept (ABA). Methods: All RA-ILD patients treated with ABA for at least six months were retrospectively evaluated. Serology, previous and concurrent therapies, chest high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT), forced vital capacity (FVC), and lung diffusion of carbon monoxide (CO, DLCO) were collected. Results: Forty-four patients were included; HRCT, FVC, and DLCO were analyzed at baseline, at one year, and at the end of follow-up. A remission or a low disease activity of RA was reached in 41/44 patients. Overall, FVC and DLCO remained stable or increased in 86.1% and 91.7% of patients, respectively, while HRCT was stable or improved in 81.4% of them. Previous and concurrent treatments, in particular, methotrexate, serology, age, sex, joint and lung disease duration were not associated with the outcome at univariate analysis. Conclusion: The management of RA-ILD patients remains a critical unmet medical need. Waiting for prospective controlled studies, ABA has shown a good safety profile in our cohort of Italian RA-ILD patients.

TNF-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease in a Murine Arthritis Model: Accumulation of Activated Monocytes, Conventional Dendritic Cells, and CD21+/CD23- B Cell Follicles Is Prevented with Anti-TNF Therapy

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a well-known extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) exists on a wide spectrum, with variable levels of inflammatory and fibrotic activity, although all subtypes are regarded as irreversible pathologic conditions. In both articular and pulmonary manifestations, TNF is a significant pathogenic factor. Whereas anti-TNF therapy alleviates joint pathologic conditions, it exacerbates fibrotic RA-ILD. The TNF-transgenic (TNF-Tg) murine model of RA develops both inflammatory arthritis and an ILD that mimics a cellular nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern dominated by an interstitial accumulation of inflammatory cells with minimal-to-absent fibrosis. Given the model's potential to elucidate the genesis of inflammatory RA-ILD, we aim to achieve the following: 1) characterize the cellular accumulations in TNF-Tg lungs, and 2) assess the reversibility of inflammatory ILD following anti-TNF therapy known to resolve TNF-Tg inflammatory arthritis. TNF-Tg mice with established disease were randomized to anti-TNF or placebo therapy and evaluated with imaging, histology, and flow cytometric analyses, together with wild-type controls. Flow cytometry of TNF-Tg versus wild-type lungs revealed significant increases in activated monocytes, conventional dendritic cells, and CD21+/CD23- B cells that are phenotypically distinct from the B cells in inflamed nodes, which are known to accumulate in joint-draining lymph nodes. In contrast to human RA-ILD, anti-TNF treatment significantly alleviated both joint and lung inflammation. These results identify a potential role for activated monocytes, conventional dendritic cells, and CD21+/CD23- B cells in the genesis of RA-ILD, which exist in a previously unknown, reversible, prefibrotic stage of the disease.

Risk of exacerbation of pulmonary comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after initiation of abatacept versus TNF inhibitors: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Biologic agents may pose a potential risk for exacerbations of pulmonary comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Using U.S. Medicare and Truven MarketScan databases, we identified three cohorts of RA patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma who initiated abatacept or a TNF inhibitor (TNFi). The primary outcome was a composite exacerbation of individual pulmonary comorbidities based on inpatient or emergency department (ED) visits due to exacerbation of the given pulmonary comorbidity. To adjust for >60 baseline confounders, we used propensity-score fine stratification (PSS) and weighting. Negative binomial regression model estimated a cohort-specific incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the primary outcome per database, comparing abatacept versus TNFi. Database-specific IRRs were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 3,295 ILD, 7,161 COPD, and 5,613 asthma patients with RA who initiated either abatacept or a TNFi. IR of composite exacerbation was high in all three pulmonary cohorts but highest in COPD cohort (3.59-11.80 per 100 person-years in ILD, 20.68-34.97 in COPD, and 4.66-13.78 in asthma). After PSS weighting, the combined IRR (95%CI) in abatacept initiators versus TNFi initiators was 0.44 (0.18-1.09) for ILD exacerbation, 0.91 (0.80-1.03) for COPD exacerbation, and 0.81 (0.54-1.22) for asthma exacerbation.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with RA and pulmonary comorbidities, exacerbations requiring inpatient or ED visits occurred frequently after initiating abatacept or TNFi. Overall, we found no significant difference in the risk of ILD, COPD or asthma exacerbation between abatacept and TNFi initiators, but precision of our estimates is limited.

Current Perspectives On Emerging Biomarkers For Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic autoimmune disease whose fibro-inflammatory manifestations may affect a number of tissues and organs, including the lungs. In fact, interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a leading cause of mortality among patients with RA. RA-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) most often presents in an injury pattern called usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), which portends a relatively worse prognosis than other less commonly occurring patterns of RA-ILD, like non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Biomarkers from serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid could aid in the identification of patients at risk for RA-ILD, the detection of patients most likely to develop the UIP pattern of RA-ILD, and the prediction of disease behaviour over time. Notably, the use of highly sensitive serologic biomarkers, including rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies targeting cyclic citrullinated peptides, while somewhat specific for RA joint disease, have only limited utility as biomarkers for RA-ILD. Candidate biomarkers for RA-ILD include these and other autoantibodies as well as certain genes and molecules that hold promise as biomarkers in other forms of ILD. In this manuscript, we summarize the state of knowledge on biomarkers for the development and progression of RA-ILD.

[Pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis]

Pulmonary involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, in particular interstitial lung diseases (RA-ILD) is of great clinical importance. Patients should be asked about symptoms of pulmonary involvement and the lungs should be clinically examined even during the diagnostic procedure and regularly during the course of the disease. Before initiation of a basic pharmacological treatment an X‑ray examination of thoracic organs is obligatory. In cases of conspicuous clinical or radiological findings, extended diagnostic procedures with lung function testing (body plethysmography with diffusion measurement) and high resolution computed tomography (CT) should be performed, depending on the findings. The differential diagnosis of interstitial lung alterations in patients with RA is broad and should consider side effects of the basis medication in addition to infectious causes. The optimal pharmacological treatment of RA-ILD is not sufficiently clarified. The value of methotrexate (MTX) has changed because, in contrast to previous assumptions, a better course could be observed under MTX treatment, at least in mild to moderate courses of RA-ILD. In the case of a clinically relevant RA-ILD, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers should be avoided because a dramatic deterioration of pulmonary function has sometimes been observed. Among biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), rituximab and abatacept are currently preferred. The role of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in RA-ILD is currently being discussed but limited data are available. Patients with RA-ILD benefit from a close collaboration between pulmonologists and rheumatologists.

Development of a risk indicator score for the identification of interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Clinically evident interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects 10%-42% of RA patients with prognostic implications. The aim of this study was to discern which factors are associated with the presence of ILD in RA patients and to develop a score that could help to stratify the risk of having ILD in RA patients.

METHODS

Case-control study. We included RA patients recruited from ILD and rheumatology clinics. We retrieved the following data: gender, age, presence of extra articular manifestations, disease activity scores, antibodies status, ESR, and medication use. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. A risk indicator score was developed.

RESULTS

Of 118 patients included in this study, 52 (44%) had RA-ILD (cases) and 66 (56%) had RA without ILD (controls). Twenty-six patients were male (22%), the mean age was 56.6±15.6 years. Five variables were significantly associated with the presence of ILD: male gender, smoking, extraarticular manifestations, a CDAI score>28, and ESR>80mm/h. The AUC of the final model curve was 0.86 (95%CI 0.79-0.92). Two potential cut-off points of the risk indicator score were chosen: a value of 2 points showed a sensitivity of 90.38% and a specificity of 63.64%, while a value of 4 points showed a sensitivity of 51.9% and a specificity of 90.9%.

CONCLUSION

This study identified risk factors that could help identify which RA patients are at risk of having ILD through the development of a risk indicator score. This score needs to be validated in an independent cohort.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis: angel or demon?

Objectives: This study evaluated the correlation between tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor (TNF-I) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to raise awareness and consummate therapy by summarizing the characteristics of the adverse events of ILD.

Methods: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases was performed from inception to November 2018. Statistical analysis of demographic characteristics, clinical features, and relative risks was performed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS version 20.0.

Results: A total of 7 eligible articles and another 28 case reports were enrolled. The 7 cohort studies demonstrated the tendency that ILD cases might not benefit from TNF-I therapy. TNF-I might be associated with ILD adverse events. The case reports further confirmed these findings, as most (87.5%) of the cases showed that TNF-1 was harmful to patients with ILD and even resulted in a 35% mortality rate. Further investigation revealed that ILD adverse events tended to appear in female patients with a long RA history (p<0.05). The subgroup analysis suggested that early detection and precise treatment are key factors in determining survival or death when an ILD adverse event occurs. A large proportion of ILD adverse events (48.6%) appeared at 2.38±1.03 weeks after the infusion of infliximab.

Conclusion: A fresh look at the evidence highlights that TNF-I might be associated with ILD adverse events in RA, which can induce more severe pulmonary symptoms and even result in death. Therefore, more attention should be paid to effective prevention, early diagnosis, and precise management. Notably, further prospective cohort studies are warranted to better interpret the association or causality between TNF-I and ILD.

Extra-articular Manifestations and Comorbidity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Potential Impact of Pre-Rheumatoid Arthritis Prevention

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a wide variety of extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities, several of which can be organ- or even life-threatening. These extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities can also contribute to the physical disability and psychological morbidity of RA that lead to reduced quality of life, higher direct and indirect costs, and societal burden of the disease. Although the expansion of RA treatment options and adoption of treat-to-target approaches has reduced the incidence and severity of several nonarticular manifestations of RA, such as rheumatoid vasculitis and cardiovascular disease events, this does not seem to be shared by all RA comorbidities. Moreover, a number of highly prevalent and impactful RA-driven comorbidities, such as accelerated atherosclerosis, interstitial lung disease, and sarcopenia, can present clinically in the years before the manifestation of joint pain or observable synovitis. A larger proportion of patients with RA have atherosclerosis, myocardial dysfunction, interstitial lung disease, and sarcopenia that is subclinical in the preclinical and earliest clinical phases of RA, emphasizing the importance of targeting the pre-RA phase for the prevention of comorbidities that are often poorly responsive to treatment once they develop. Herein, we review the potential impact of pre-RA prevention on the incidence and burden of extra-articular manifestations and nonarticular comorbidities.

A Patient with KL-6 Elevation with Anti-TNFα Who Could Receive Long-Term Use without Interstitial Pneumonia after Class Switch of Anti-TNFα

A 40-year-old man with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) was treated with tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor (anti-TNFα), infliximab. One month later, the chest computed tomography and laboratory test showed noninfectious interstitial lung disease (ILD) and elevation of serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6). Fortunately, ILD disappeared after the discontinuation with anti-TNFα. Two and a half years after his first UC treatment, he was treated again with another anti-TNFα, adalimumab, for relapse and he had a second ILD. This course suggested anti-TNFα induced ILD. The characteristics of anti-TNFα-induced ILD in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not well understood. We summarized and investigated the characteristics of such patients based on a literature review including 15 cases. It suggested that anti-TNFα-induced ILD in IBD might be rare and tends to have a better outcome compared with ILD in rheumatoid arthritis.

Contribution of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to the diagnosis and follow up of connective tissue diseases

Introduction

Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs) are systemic autoimmune conditions characterized by frequent lung involvement. This usually takes the form of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), but Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD) and Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH) can also occur. Lung involvement is often severe, representing the first cause of death in CTD. The aim of this study is to highlight the role of Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) in the diagnosis and follow up of CTD patients.

Main body

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) showed mainly an ILD with a Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) pattern in High-Resolution Chest Tomography (HRCT). PFTs are able to highlight a RA-ILD before its clinical onset and to drive follow up of patients with Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DL_CO). In the course of Scleroderma Spectrum Disorders (SSDs) and Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIMs), DL_CO appears to be more sensitive than FVC in highlighting an ILD, but it can be compromised by the presence of PAH. A restrictive respiratory pattern can be present in IIMs and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus due to the inflammatory involvement of respiratory muscles, the presence of fatigue or diaphragm distress.

Conclusions

The lung should be carefully studied during CTDs. PFTs can represent an important prognostic tool for diagnosis and follow up of RA-ILD, but, on their own, lack sufficient specificity or sensitivity to describe lung involvement in SSDs and IIMs. Several composite indexes potentially able to describe the evolution of lung damage and response to treatment in SSDs are under investigation. Considering the potential severity of these conditions, an HRCT jointly with PFTs should be performed in all new diagnoses of SSDs and IIMs. Moreover, follow up PFTs should be interpreted in the light of the risk factor for respiratory disease related to each disease.