Pulmonary Function Abnormalities in Patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis and their Relation with Rheumatoid Disease Activity: An Observational Study from a Rural Tertiary Care Centre in North India

Authors

  • Ruby Sharma Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, India
  • Sandeep Joshi Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Ambala
  • Chander Mohan Adya Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
  • Rajeshwar Joshi Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
  • Himani Garg Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

Abstract

Introduction- Pulmonary involvement is a frequent and among the most severe extra-articular manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis. There may be variable involvement of almost all the components of lung structure. Early detection and management of pulmonary manifestations is important to decrease the overall morbidity and mortality of RA patients. PFTs may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of pulmonary involvement in patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The present study was conducted to investigate the frequency of pulmonary function abnormalities in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients presenting at a rural tertiary care centre in North Indiaand to study its relation with rheumatoid disease activity.

Materials and Methods- The present study was a cross-sectional observational study performed on 55 diagnosed patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA was diagnosed as per the 2010 ACR-EULAR Classification criteria. Disease activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis was assessed based on the DAS 28 score. Pulmonary Function Tests were conducted in all the patients by using a computerized Spirometer.

Results and Observations- The most common abnormalities observed on PFT were obstructive pattern (seen in 25.4% patients), restrictive pattern (16.4%) and mixed pattern (5.4%). The patients with abnormal PFTs had a significantly longer duration of illness (p<0.05) and more severe disease activity as measured by DAS 28 score (p<0.05).

Conclusion- Pulmonary Function Testing is a simple and easily available method to detect pulmonary involvement in patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis at an early stage. Impairment in PFTs correlates with the duration of disease and severity of disease activity. 

Author Biographies

Ruby Sharma, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, India

Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, India

Chander Mohan Adya, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

Professor, Department of Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

Rajeshwar Joshi, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

Resident, Department of Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, India

Himani Garg, Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

Resident, Department of Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

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Published

25.06.2021

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 3 (2021): Gazi Medical Journal

Section

Original Research