Rheumatoid arthritis and changes on spirometry by smoking status in two prospective longitudinal cohorts

To compare longitudinal changes in spirometric measures between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-RA comparators.

We analysed longitudinal data from two prospective cohorts: the UK Biobank and COPDGene. Spirometry was conducted at baseline and a second visit after 5-7 years. RA was identified based on self-report and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use; non-RA comparators reported neither. The primary outcomes were annual changes in the per cent-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁%) and per cent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%). Statistical comparisons were performed using multivariable linear regression. The analysis was stratified based on baseline smoking status and the presence of obstructive pattern (FEV₁/FVC <0.7).

Among participants who underwent baseline and follow-up spirometry, we identified 233 patients with RA and 37 735 non-RA comparators. Among never-smoking participants without an obstructive pattern, RA was significantly associated with more FEV₁% decline (β=-0.49, p=0.04). However, in ever smokers with ≥10 pack-years, those with RA exhibited significantly less FEV₁% decline than non-RA comparators (β=0.50, p=0.02). This difference was more pronounced among those with an obstructive pattern at baseline (β=1.12, p=0.01). Results were similar for FEV₁/FVC decline. No difference was observed in the annual FVC% change in RA versus non-RA.

Smokers with RA, especially those with baseline obstructive spirometric patterns, experienced lower FEV₁% and FEV₁/FVC decline than non-RA comparators. Conversely, never smokers with RA had more FEV₁% decline than non-RA comparators. Future studies should investigate potential treatments and the pathogenesis of obstructive lung diseases in smokers with RA.