[Susceptibility for infections in patients with chronic polyarthritis]

The case histories and autopsy findings of 79 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)--15 patients with and 64 patients without a history of long term corticoid treatment--who had died in the years 1952-1977 and who had been autopsied in the University Institute of Pathology of Graz were evaluated with respect to organic lesions caused by infections and were compared with an exactly matched control group. Both in the rheumatoid group material and in the 64 RA patients without steroid. long term treatment there was a highly significant accumulation of putrid bronchitis and pneumonia and a significant accumulation of pyelonephritis in comparison to the control group. As far as bronchiectases and pulmonary tuberculosis are concerned, there was an increased prevalence in the RA group, but this was beyond the range of statistical significance. Possible reasons that might account for the elevated susceptibility to infections in patients with RA are discussed.