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Pulmonary infection and rheumatoid arthritis
British Journal of Diseases of the Chest
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Five patients with bronchiectasis and/or cystic fibrosis developed polyarthritis, a joint inflammation condition. This complication was associated with positive rheumatoid factor tests, suggesting an autoimmune link.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis are chronic lung diseases.
- Joint complications can occur in patients with these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of polyarthritis in patients with bronchiectasis and/or cystic fibrosis.
- To identify potential mechanisms behind this complication.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of eleven patients with bronchiectasis and/or cystic fibrosis.
- Clinical assessment for polyarthritis.
- Serological testing for rheumatoid factor.
Main Results:
- Five out of eleven patients (45%) developed polyarthritis.
- These patients had positive tests for rheumatoid factor.
Conclusions:
- Polyarthritis is a notable complication in a subset of patients with bronchiectasis and/or cystic fibrosis.
- The presence of rheumatoid factor suggests a potential autoimmune component in the pathogenesis of this joint complication.