Patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) are at a high risk for serious and fatal infections, with age, inflammation, and corticosteroid therapy further increasing this risk. A study conducted in Spain followed 148 patients with RA-ILD and found that almost all patients experienced at least one infection during the follow-up period, with respiratory infections being the most common and leading to death in 80% of cases. Infections were caused by various pathogens, with mortality rates varying depending on the pathogen. Increased age, disease activity, and corticosteroid use were associated with a higher risk for infection and mortality in these patients.
Source link
High Infection Risk in RA-Associated ILD
