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Updated: May 21, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Development of a Physician-Independent Screening for Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A
Robin Tiede1, Frank Reichenberger2,3, Carina Fischinger1
1Department of Medicine V, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.
Summary
A new questionnaire helps screen rheumatoid arthritis patients for interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) without a doctor. This cost-effective tool shows promise for early detection and management of RA-ILD.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a significant cause of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
- The high prevalence of RA necessitates a physician-independent screening tool for early RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) detection.
- This study focused on developing a patient-based, cost-effective questionnaire for RA-ILD screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a patient-based questionnaire for screening RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD).
- To create a cost-effective and physician-independent tool for routine clinical use.
Main Methods:
- A 26-item ILD symptom questionnaire was adapted and validated in two steps.
- Step one involved item and principal component analyses in ILD patients and healthy controls.
- Step two validated the questionnaire in RA patients, defining RA-ILD via lung ultrasound and pulmonary function tests (FVC or DLCO < 80%).
Main Results:
- The questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (ω = 0.93) in step one.
- RA patients suspected of RA-ILD (n=11) had a higher mean score (18) compared to those without (mean score 14).
- A cut-off of 7.5 yielded a negative predictive value of 93.2% for RA-ILD detection.
Conclusions:
- The developed questionnaire shows potential as a physician-independent screening tool for RA-ILD.
- The tool is cost-effective and suitable for integration into routine clinical practice.
- Early screening can aid in timely management of RA-ILD.
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