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Lung Infections in Systemic Rheumatic Disease: Focus on Opportunistic Infections

Manuela Di Franco1, Bruno Lucchino2, Martina Spaziante3

  • 1Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy. manuela.difranco@uniroma1.it.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 2, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Patients with rheumatic diseases face high risks of lung infections from common and opportunistic pathogens. This review covers frequent pulmonary infections, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for these vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Systemic rheumatic diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, often due to infections.
  • The lungs are a common site for infections in patients with rheumatic diseases.
  • Patients with rheumatic diseases are susceptible to infections due to immune dysregulation and immunosuppressive treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the most frequent pulmonary infections in patients with rheumatic diseases.
  • To focus on opportunistic agents causing lung infections in this population.
  • To discuss diagnostic challenges and therapeutic strategies for managing these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pulmonary infections in rheumatic diseases.
  • Analysis of common and opportunistic pathogens involved.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic approaches and treatment options.

Main Results:

  • Pneumonia is a frequent complication in rheumatic disease patients.
  • Both common and opportunistic microorganisms can cause lung infections.
  • Immunosuppressive therapies increase susceptibility to a wide spectrum of infections.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary infections pose a significant threat to patients with rheumatic diseases.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial.
  • Understanding opportunistic agents and treatment strategies is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords:
anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)lung infectionsopportunistic infectionspneumoniarheumatic diseases

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