Rheumatoid arthritis and small airways function

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The sensitive pulmonary function tests of change in maximum expiratory flow (ΔVmax 50) and volume of isoflow were used to determine the effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), smoking, and α-antitrypsin deficiency phenotypes on peripheral airways. Patients were prospectively divided into 4 groups: 14 smokers with RA, 12 nonsmokers with RA, 11 smokers without RA, and 13 nonsmokers without RA. ΔVmax 50 was the most discriminating variable and demonstrated significant small airway obstructive disease in the first 3 groups, with an additive effect in the group of smokers with RA. An increased incidence of the α-antitrypsin-deficient MS phenotype was seen in the RA smoker group, and this phenotype was associated with severe pulmonary disease.