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Lung mucociliary clearance in rheumatoid disease
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Mucociliary clearance in the lungs remains normal for patients with rheumatoid disease, despite higher risks of respiratory infections and airway obstruction. This study investigated lung function in rheumatoid disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid disease is associated with increased respiratory infections.
- Airway obstruction has been reported in rheumatoid disease patients.
- The impact on lung mucociliary clearance is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lung mucociliary clearance rates in patients with rheumatoid disease.
- To compare these rates with healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between clearance, infection, and airway obstruction.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of lung mucociliary clearance.
- Comparison between 11 rheumatoid disease patients and matched controls.
Main Results:
- Lung mucociliary clearance rates were unaltered in rheumatoid disease patients compared to controls.
- No significant difference was observed in clearance function.
Conclusions:
- Normal mucociliary clearance does not explain the increased respiratory infection risk in rheumatoid disease.
- Other factors likely contribute to airway obstruction and infections in these patients.