来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗类风湿关节炎的临床对照研究

类风湿关节炎(RA)是一种常见的以关节慢性炎症为主要表现的系统性风湿病，其致残率很高，严重影响患者生活质量。来氟米特作为一种新型免疫调节剂，近年来进入我国用于RA的治疗。我们采用来氟米特(LEF)治疗了59例RA患者，并与甲氨蝶呤(MTX)进行比较，以观察其疗效和安全性。     

甲氨蝶呤联合来氟米特治疗类风湿关节炎的疗效观察

目的探讨甲氨蝶呤（MTX）联合来氟米特（LEF）治疗类风湿性关节炎（RA）的临床疗效和安全性。方法选择活动期RA患者50例,随机分为联合组（联合使用MTX＋LEF）25例和对照组（单用MTX）25例,两组均治疗24周。观察两组治疗后的临床疗效和不良反应。结果联合组临床总的疗效高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;联合组在关节肿胀、关节压痛、晨僵时间、ESR及CRP等临床和实验室指标的改善均优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05或0.01）;联合组不良反应少于对照组,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论 MTX联合LEF治疗RA临床疗效好,安全性高。     

来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎临床疗效观察

目的探讨应用来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎患者的临床效果。方法将收治的80例银屑病关节炎患者随机分为实验组和对照组,对照组患者40例单用甲氨蝶呤治疗,实验组患者40例采用来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤治疗,观察比较两组患者的临床治疗效果以及不良反应发生情况。结果实验组患者的治疗总有效率为87.5%,对照组患者为52.5%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者仅发生恶心、呕吐、转氨酶升高、皮疹等轻微不良反应,经对症治疗后好转,不影响治疗。结论应用来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎,临床效果显著、安全性高,在临床治疗中有着重要的参考意义。     

来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎关节病变的临床研究

目的 评价来氟米特、甲氨蝶呤及甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联用治疗银屑病关节炎(PsA)关节病变的疗效与安全性.方法 2个中心的开放性临床对照研究.选确诊的PsA患者,接受甲氨蝶呤(甲氨蝶呤组)、来氟米特(来氟米特组)、甲氨蝶呤+来氟米特(联合治疗组)中的任意一种治疗方案,治疗24周.以PsA疗效标准(PsARC)为主要疗效指标,修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)为次要疗效指标,对关节病变进行评估,并分析具体评价指标[包括压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、患者总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、健康评估问卷(HAQ)]的变化.结果 治疗24周时甲氨蝶呤组、来氟米特组、联合治疗组达到PsARC的比例分别为75.0%、68.8%、83.3%,达到ACR20的比例分别为66.7%、50.0%、83.3%.24周后3组患者压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ均显著低于基线水平(P<0.05).联合治疗组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、ESR的改善程度显著高于来氟米特组,甲氨蝶呤组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、HAQ、ESR的改善程度亦显著高于来氟米特组.甲氨蝶呤、来氟米特、联合治疗组不良反应发生率分别为38.5%、38.9%、35.0%,无严重不良事件发生.结论 甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联合治疗与单用药物治疗对PsA的关节病变均具有良好的疗效和安全性.     

来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎关节病变的临床研究

目的 评价来氟米特、甲氨蝶呤及甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联用治疗银屑病关节炎(PsA)关节病变的疗效与安全性.方法 2个中心的开放性临床对照研究.选确诊的PsA患者,接受甲氨蝶呤(甲氨蝶呤组)、来氟米特(来氟米特组)、甲氨蝶呤+来氟米特(联合治疗组)中的任意一种治疗方案,治疗24周.以PsA疗效标准(PsARC)为主要疗效指标,修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)为次要疗效指标,对关节病变进行评估,并分析具体评价指标[包括压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、患者总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、健康评估问卷(HAQ)]的变化.结果 治疗24周时甲氨蝶呤组、来氟米特组、联合治疗组达到PsARC的比例分别为75.0%、68.8%、83.3%,达到ACR20的比例分别为66.7%、50.0%、83.3%.24周后3组患者压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ均显著低于基线水平(P<0.05).联合治疗组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、ESR的改善程度显著高于来氟米特组,甲氨蝶呤组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、HAQ、ESR的改善程度亦显著高于来氟米特组.甲氨蝶呤、来氟米特、联合治疗组不良反应发生率分别为38.5%、38.9%、35.0%,无严重不良事件发生.结论 甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联合治疗与单用药物治疗对PsA的关节病变均具有良好的疗效和安全性.     

来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎关节病变的临床研究

目的 评价来氟米特、甲氨蝶呤及甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联用治疗银屑病关节炎(PsA)关节病变的疗效与安全性.方法 2个中心的开放性临床对照研究.选确诊的PsA患者,接受甲氨蝶呤(甲氨蝶呤组)、来氟米特(来氟米特组)、甲氨蝶呤+来氟米特(联合治疗组)中的任意一种治疗方案,治疗24周.以PsA疗效标准(PsARC)为主要疗效指标,修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)为次要疗效指标,对关节病变进行评估,并分析具体评价指标[包括压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、患者总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、健康评估问卷(HAQ)]的变化.结果 治疗24周时甲氨蝶呤组、来氟米特组、联合治疗组达到PsARC的比例分别为75.0%、68.8%、83.3%,达到ACR20的比例分别为66.7%、50.0%、83.3%.24周后3组患者压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ均显著低于基线水平(P<0.05).联合治疗组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、ESR的改善程度显著高于来氟米特组,甲氨蝶呤组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、HAQ、ESR的改善程度亦显著高于来氟米特组.甲氨蝶呤、来氟米特、联合治疗组不良反应发生率分别为38.5%、38.9%、35.0%,无严重不良事件发生.结论 甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联合治疗与单用药物治疗对PsA的关节病变均具有良好的疗效和安全性.     

来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎关节病变的临床研究

目的 评价来氟米特、甲氨蝶呤及甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联用治疗银屑病关节炎(PsA)关节病变的疗效与安全性.方法 2个中心的开放性临床对照研究.选确诊的PsA患者,接受甲氨蝶呤(甲氨蝶呤组)、来氟米特(来氟米特组)、甲氨蝶呤+来氟米特(联合治疗组)中的任意一种治疗方案,治疗24周.以PsA疗效标准(PsARC)为主要疗效指标,修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)为次要疗效指标,对关节病变进行评估,并分析具体评价指标[包括压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、患者总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、健康评估问卷(HAQ)]的变化.结果 治疗24周时甲氨蝶呤组、来氟米特组、联合治疗组达到PsARC的比例分别为75.0%、68.8%、83.3%,达到ACR20的比例分别为66.7%、50.0%、83.3%.24周后3组患者压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ均显著低于基线水平(P<0.05).联合治疗组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、ESR的改善程度显著高于来氟米特组,甲氨蝶呤组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、HAQ、ESR的改善程度亦显著高于来氟米特组.甲氨蝶呤、来氟米特、联合治疗组不良反应发生率分别为38.5%、38.9%、35.0%,无严重不良事件发生.结论 甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联合治疗与单用药物治疗对PsA的关节病变均具有良好的疗效和安全性.     

来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎关节病变的临床研究

目的 评价来氟米特、甲氨蝶呤及甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联用治疗银屑病关节炎(PsA)关节病变的疗效与安全性.方法 2个中心的开放性临床对照研究.选确诊的PsA患者,接受甲氨蝶呤(甲氨蝶呤组)、来氟米特(来氟米特组)、甲氨蝶呤+来氟米特(联合治疗组)中的任意一种治疗方案,治疗24周.以PsA疗效标准(PsARC)为主要疗效指标,修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)为次要疗效指标,对关节病变进行评估,并分析具体评价指标[包括压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、患者总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、健康评估问卷(HAQ)]的变化.结果 治疗24周时甲氨蝶呤组、来氟米特组、联合治疗组达到PsARC的比例分别为75.0%、68.8%、83.3%,达到ACR20的比例分别为66.7%、50.0%、83.3%.24周后3组患者压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ均显著低于基线水平(P<0.05).联合治疗组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、ESR的改善程度显著高于来氟米特组,甲氨蝶呤组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、HAQ、ESR的改善程度亦显著高于来氟米特组.甲氨蝶呤、来氟米特、联合治疗组不良反应发生率分别为38.5%、38.9%、35.0%,无严重不良事件发生.结论 甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联合治疗与单用药物治疗对PsA的关节病变均具有良好的疗效和安全性.     

来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎关节病变的临床研究

目的 评价来氟米特、甲氨蝶呤及甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联用治疗银屑病关节炎(PsA)关节病变的疗效与安全性.方法 2个中心的开放性临床对照研究.选确诊的PsA患者,接受甲氨蝶呤(甲氨蝶呤组)、来氟米特(来氟米特组)、甲氨蝶呤+来氟米特(联合治疗组)中的任意一种治疗方案,治疗24周.以PsA疗效标准(PsARC)为主要疗效指标,修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)为次要疗效指标,对关节病变进行评估,并分析具体评价指标[包括压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、患者总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、健康评估问卷(HAQ)]的变化.结果 治疗24周时甲氨蝶呤组、来氟米特组、联合治疗组达到PsARC的比例分别为75.0%、68.8%、83.3%,达到ACR20的比例分别为66.7%、50.0%、83.3%.24周后3组患者压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ均显著低于基线水平(P<0.05).联合治疗组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、ESR的改善程度显著高于来氟米特组,甲氨蝶呤组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、HAQ、ESR的改善程度亦显著高于来氟米特组.甲氨蝶呤、来氟米特、联合治疗组不良反应发生率分别为38.5%、38.9%、35.0%,无严重不良事件发生.结论 甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联合治疗与单用药物治疗对PsA的关节病变均具有良好的疗效和安全性.     

来氟米特与甲氨蝶呤治疗银屑病关节炎关节病变的临床研究

目的 评价来氟米特、甲氨蝶呤及甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联用治疗银屑病关节炎(PsA)关节病变的疗效与安全性.方法 2个中心的开放性临床对照研究.选确诊的PsA患者,接受甲氨蝶呤(甲氨蝶呤组)、来氟米特(来氟米特组)、甲氨蝶呤+来氟米特(联合治疗组)中的任意一种治疗方案,治疗24周.以PsA疗效标准(PsARC)为主要疗效指标,修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)为次要疗效指标,对关节病变进行评估,并分析具体评价指标[包括压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、患者总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、健康评估问卷(HAQ)]的变化.结果 治疗24周时甲氨蝶呤组、来氟米特组、联合治疗组达到PsARC的比例分别为75.0%、68.8%、83.3%,达到ACR20的比例分别为66.7%、50.0%、83.3%.24周后3组患者压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ均显著低于基线水平(P<0.05).联合治疗组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、ESR的改善程度显著高于来氟米特组,甲氨蝶呤组在疼痛视觉模拟评分、PGA、HAQ、ESR的改善程度亦显著高于来氟米特组.甲氨蝶呤、来氟米特、联合治疗组不良反应发生率分别为38.5%、38.9%、35.0%,无严重不良事件发生.结论 甲氨蝶呤与来氟米特联合治疗与单用药物治疗对PsA的关节病变均具有良好的疗效和安全性.     

Leflunomide use and the risk of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous reports of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with leflunomide, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), have been appearing recently. To assess this risk, we conducted a population-based epidemiologic study. METHODS: A cohort of 62,734 patients with RA to whom a DMARD had been dispensed between September 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003 was formed using the PharMetrics claims database. A nested case-control design was used, in which each case of serious ILD requiring hospitalization was matched to 100 controls according to age (calendar time) and equal or greater duration of followup, to estimate adjusted rate ratios (RRs) of serious ILD associated with DMARD use. RESULTS: There were 74 cases of serious ILD, which corresponds to a rate of 8.1 per 10,000 patients per year. The risk of ILD was increased with the use of leflunomide (adjusted RR 1.9 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1-3.6]). Among subjects with no previous methotrexate use and no history of ILD, the risk associated with leflunomide treatment was not elevated (RR 1.2 [95% CI 0.4-3.1]), but it was elevated among the remaining subjects (RR 2.6 [95% CI 1.2-5.6]). Patients with a history of ILD were twice as likely to have been prescribed leflunomide as any other DMARD. CONCLUSION: The reports of ILD associated with leflunomide use are likely the result of channeling of high-risk patients to leflunomide treatment, particularly those with a history of methotrexate use or preexisting ILD. Patients with no history of ILD and no previous methotrexate use show no excess risk of developing ILD with leflunomide treatment.     

Interstitial lung diseases induced or exacerbated by DMARDS and biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic literature review

Objective

To review published cases of induced or exacerbated interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) associated with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (nbDMARDs) and biologics and to discuss clinical implications in daily practice.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review from 1975 to July 2013 using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and abstracts from the ACR 2010–2012 and EULAR 2010–2013 annual meetings. Case reports and series that suggest a causative role of nbDMARDs (methotrexate [MTX], leflunomide [LEF], gold, azathioprine [AZA], sulfasalazine [SSZ], and hydroxychloroquine [HCQ]) and biologic agents (TNF inhibitors [TNFi], rituximab [RTX], tocilizumab [TCZ], abatacept [ABA], and anakinra) in causing ILD or worsening a pre-existing ILD in RA patients were included. Results from observational and postmarketing studies as well as reviews on this topic were excluded from the qualitative analysis but still considered to discuss the implication of such drugs in generating or worsening ILD in RA patients. Comparisons were made between MTX-induced ILD in RA and the cases reported with other agents, in terms of clinical presentation, radiological features, and therapeutic management and outcomes.

Results

The literature search identified 32 articles for MTX, 12 for LEF (resulting in 34 case reports), 3 for gold, 1 for AZA, 4 for SSZ, 27 for TNFi (resulting in 31 case reports), 3 for RTX, 5 for TCZ (resulting in 8 case reports), and 1 for ABA. No case was found for HCQ or anakinra. Common points are noted between LEF- and TNFi-related ILD in RA: ILD is a rare severe adverse event, mostly occurs within the first 20 weeks after initiation of therapy, causes dyspnea mostly in older patients, and can be fatal. Although no definitive causative relationship can be drawn from case reports and observational studies, these data argue for a pulmonary follow-up in RA patients with pre-existing ILD, while receiving biologic therapy or nbDMARDs.

Conclusion

As previously described for MTX, growing evidence highlights that LEF, TNFi, RTX, and TCZ may induce pneumonitis or worsen RA-related pre-existing ILD. Nonetheless, identifying a causal relationship between RA therapy and ILD-induced toxicity clearly appears difficult, partly because it is a rare condition.     

The clinical significance of HRCT in evaluation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a report from China

The objective of this study is to describe the interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of China, and to study clinical significance of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in evaluation and treatment. One hundred and ten Chinese patients (79 women and 31 man) diagnosed with RA between December 2008 to November 2009 were analyzed. According to the HRCT, 47 (42.73%) RA patients were diagnosed as ILD. Old age, smoking and pulmonary rales were closely related to ILD (P < 0.05). The main appearances of ILD were ground-glass (39.09%), honeycombing (4.55%), reticular patterns and consolidation (1.82%). Patients with reticular patterns and honeycombing were more likely to show the respiratory symptoms. It was also common to find other abnormal changes, such as fiber cord shadow (22.73%), lung markings fuzzy disorder (30%), pulmonary nodules (11.82%), emphysema (9.09%), bronchiectasis (3.64%), subpleural nodules (11.82%) and pleural thickening (24.55%). In treatment, honeycombing and subpleural nodules were more common in patients with methotrexate (MTX) and/or leflunomide treatment than without (P < 0.05). Other abnormal changes were no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Pulmonary involvement is common in RA patients, and it is suggested that HRCT could be a sensitive and useful way in evaluating the lung of RA patients.     

Revisión sistemática sobre el impacto de los fármacos en la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa asociada a Artritis Reumatoide

ObjectiveTo review the available evidence on the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments in associated diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD).MethodsSystematic 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.Results1,720 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.ConclusionsThere 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.     

Leflunomide-associated infections in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of severe infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prescribed leflunomide in North Canterbury, New Zealand. METHODS: A case-note audit of all Christchurch Hospital patients with RA prescribed leflunomide between 2002 and 2006 was performed. The criterion for severe infection was inpatient hospitalization. Relevant reports to the national Pharmacovigilance Centre were also examined. RESULTS: Since January 2002, 171 patients with RA have commenced taking leflunomide. Ninety-nine of 171 (57.9%) patients were also prescribed prednisone. Combination disease modifying antirheumatic drug therapy was common, with 82/171 (48.0%) taking methotrexate (MTX), 15/171 (8.8%) hydroxy-chloroquine, 11/171 (6.4%) sulfasalazine, and 8/171 (4.7%) anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Eleven patients developed infection requiring hospitalization while taking leflunomide including: lower respiratory tract infections (3), cellulitis (2), disseminated herpes zoster (2), probable TB liver (1), abdominal sepsis (1), mycotic aneurysm (1) and gastroenteritis (1). Nine of the 11 patients were also taking corticosteroids or corticosteroids with MTX. The 171 patients were treated for a total of 4005 months, giving an incidence for severe infection of 3.30/100 patient-years (95% CI 1.65-5.90). Patients at increased risk were those with severe disease and taking concomitant MTX and corticosteroids. The NZ Pharmacovigilance Centre has received 7 additional reports of severe infections in patients with RA taking leflunomide. Reported cases include probable pulmonary TB (1), pneumocystis pneumonia (1), other pulmonary infection (2), and septicemia (3) including a case of infective endocarditis. Four occurred in combination with MTX, one with adalimumab. All 5 patients were also taking -corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: We believe this observed rate of serious infection is acceptable in the context of optimally treating active RA. Patients with severe disease and taking combination MTX and corticosteroids are at greatest risk. In our experience, once established, infections may rapidly progress in patients with RA taking leflunomide, and early cholestyramine washout is strongly recommended.     

类风湿关节炎合并肺间质病变的临床特点

目的 分析类风湿关节炎（RA）合并肺间质纤维化（ILD）患者的临床特点,为尽早发现和诊断RA-ILD提供有价值的临床信息.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月～2009年1月于我院就诊的40例RA-ILD患者与42例未合并ILD的RA患者的临床资料,并对两组患者的临床资料加以比较.结果 RA-ILD组患者多数以咳嗽为首发症状,全部患者高分辨率CT检查均存在不同程度的ILD表现.RA-ILD组患者的病程、晨僵时间长于未合并ILD的RA组患者（P＜0.05）.RA-ILD患者组的DAS28评分、血沉、C反应蛋白、抗环瓜氨酸（CCP）抗体、Ro-52阳性率高于未合并ILD的RA组患者（P均＜0.05）.结论 RA-ILD患者多数以咳嗽为首发症状,高分辨率CT能较早的提示ILD并评价其严重程度.RA病程、活动性、炎性指标、抗CCP抗体及抗Ro-52可能是与RA-ILD密切相关的重要指标.     

High-resolution CT and pulmonary function tests in rheumatoid arthritis patients with subclinical interstitial lung disease in Kuwait

BackgroundInterstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent extra-articular manifestation of RA and can cause significant morbidity and mortality.Aim of the workTo characterize and define the frequency of radiological and functional abnormalities capable of identifying “subclinical” RA-ILD with particular concern to the effect of methotrexate (MTX) therapy.Patients and methodsSixty patients with RA were recruited with no respiratory manifestations. They were classified into two groups: group 1 included 35 patients receiving MTX and group 2 included 25 patients receiving only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients were also classified according to chest high resolution CT (HRCT) as RA-ILD or RA-noILD. Pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities were also used to further characterize occult respiratory defects.Results38.3% of RA patients had subclinical ILD (25% in group 1 and 13.3% in group 2), while 61.7% were RA-no ILD. The percentage of patients with RA-ILD was insignificantly more in group 1 than group 2 (42.9% and 32% respectively). HRCT score revealed minimal to mild involvement in both groups. Long-standing RA with mean articular duration >50 months carries a significant risk for ILD. Other variables as age, gender, smoking, disease activity or rheumatoid factor seropositivity were not significant risk factors for development of RA-ILD.ConclusionsLung involvement should always be considered in patients with RA particularly those on MTX therapy even in the absence of chest symptoms. A tight control by PFTs, chest radiography and/or HRCT is necessary. Further studies evaluating the potential effect of MTX on progressive ILD with RA are needed.     

类风湿关节炎患者血清白细胞介素-4水平与间质性肺疾病的关系

目的明确类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)患者血清中白细胞介素-4(interleukin-4,IL-4)的水平及其与RA继发间质性肺疾病(interstitial lung disease,ILD)的关系,探讨RA及RA继发ILD的发病机制及相关因素。方法选择RA患者62例,其中单纯RA患者31例,RA伴发ILD患者31例;健康对照者30例。应用酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测各组血清中IL-4水平,同时比较各组实验室指标免疫球蛋白(Ig)G、IgA、IgM、γ-球蛋白、类风湿因子(RF)、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)及关节肿痛数的差异,并进行相关性分析。结果 RA组血清IL-4水平为(61.87±41.36)pg/ml,健康对照组血清IL-4水平为(25.48±14.28)pg/ml,两组相比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);RA继发ILD组血清IL-4水平(92.70±32.01)pg/ml较单纯RA组(30.05±24.45)pg/ml明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。总RA组血清IL-4水平较健康对照组明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);RA继发ILD组血清IL-4水平较单纯RA组明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 IL-4可能参与RA的发病,且在RA并发ILD的发生发展中起一定作用。     

Acute exacerbation of preexisting interstitial lung disease after administration of etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis

A 70-year-old woman with a 6-year history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asymptomatic interstitial lung disease (ILD) began taking etanercept for ongoing arthritis despite treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and bucillamine. MTX was discontinued before introduction of etanercept. She developed lung injury 8 weeks after starting etanercept. Etanercept was discontinued and oral prednisolone 40 mg/day was begun, and her clinical findings gradually improved. Lung injury, although rare, is a recently noticed, potentially fatal adverse effect of all 3 licensed biological anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents. We recommend caution in the use of anti-TNF agents in elderly RA patients with preexisting ILD.     

类风湿关节炎合并肺间质病变的发病相关因素

目的分析类风湿关节炎(RA)合并肺间质病变(ILD)的临床及实验室特点,探讨其发病相关因素。方法分析76例RA患者的临床资料,分为单纯RA组(n=40)和RA-ILD组(n=36),比较两组患者的一般情况、临床表现以及实验室指标。结果两组在年龄、关节肿痛数目、血管炎及发热阳性率、CRP、RF、IgM、白细胞计数比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论年龄大,RF高滴度表达,RA病情重,伴有关节外表现的RA患者易合并ILD,应尽早行高分辨CT等检查早期诊断及治疗。