Relapsing polychondritis - A single Centre study in the United Kingdom

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare, immune-mediated inflammatory condition.
• It can lead to progressive damage and destruction of cartilaginous tissues throughout the body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinical characteristics, diagnostic delays, and outcomes in patients with Relapsing Polychondritis.
• To identify prognostic factors and evaluate treatment responses in RP.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 68 patients diagnosed with RP.
• Utilized pulmonary function tests, CT scans, bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy, PET-CT, and autoimmune serology.
• Other specialist reviews were conducted as indicated.

Main Results:

• Pulmonary involvement was observed in 43% of patients, with 16 presenting initially with lung issues.
• A mean diagnostic delay of 55 weeks was noted.
• Prognostic variables included ethnicity, nasal chondritis, laryngotracheal stricture, and elevated serum creatinine.

Conclusions:

• RP is a rare autoimmune disorder with significant diagnostic delays.
• Pulmonary involvement contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality.
• Early intervention with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics is recommended to mitigate organ damage and corticosteroid side effects.