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Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis pp 45–58Cite as

The Epidemiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Lung Disease

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Part of the book series: Respiratory Medicine ((RM))

Abstract

There are unique challenges to determining the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related lung disease stemming from differing case definitions and detection modalities in the literature. The prevalence of radiographic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is variable and ranges from 19 to 67%. Clinically significant disease, defined as contributing to death, is seen on 10% of patients. Risk factors have been identified and include smoking, male gender, and age. RA-related small airways disease is seen in 15–44% of all comers and 11–30% of never smokers. Large airways disease in the form of bronchiectasis is seen in 17% of patients and is associated with an increase in mortality. Pleural involvement is common in the form of pleural thickening and effusions, though a high percentage of these are asymptomatic.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA

    M. Kristen Demoruelle MD

  2. National Jewish Health, Autoimmune Lung Center and Interstitial Lung Disease Program, Denver, CO, USA

    Amy L. Olson MD & Joshua J. Solomon MD

Authors
  1. M. Kristen Demoruelle MD
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  2. Amy L. Olson MD
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  3. Joshua J. Solomon MD
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Correspondence to Joshua J. Solomon MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA

    Aryeh Fischer

  2. Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA

    Joyce S. Lee

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Kristen Demoruelle, M., Olson, A.L., Solomon, J.J. (2018). The Epidemiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Lung Disease. In: Fischer, A., Lee, J. (eds) Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Respiratory Medicine. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68888-6_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68888-6_4

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