Clinical Profile of Pulmonary Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Madhumita Priyadarshini Das, Bagmita Gogoi, Md Reazibul Alam

Abstract: Aim: To study the clinical profile of pulmonary manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and Methods: This a hospital based observational study conducted in the department of Medicine, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for a period of one year in 100 rheumatoid arthritis patients randomly selected from those who have attended ward or OPD and fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated with detailed clinical history, through clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations. Results: Out of 100 cases, 9% presented with pulmonary manifestations, of which 55.5% presented with Interstitial lung disease, 33.3% with Pleural effusion and 11.1% with nodules. Conclusion: It was concluded from our study that apart from the mandatory articular involvement, various other extra articular systems are also involved in a major portion of the Rheumatoid arthritis patients, and out of them pulmonary involvement was of particular significance, especially interstitial lung disease.

Keywords: Extra articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary manifestations