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Cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis severity
K G Saag1, J R Cerhan, S Kolluri
1Division of Rheumatology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242-1087, USA.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Cigarette smoking is linked to increased rheumatoid arthritis (RA) severity, including rheumatoid factor positivity and radiographic erosions. Higher smoking exposure (pack years) correlates with worse RA outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) incidence.
- Smoking may exert direct biological effects on lung and systemic health.
- The association between smoking and RA disease severity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease severity.
- To determine if smoking influences key indicators of RA severity.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 336 patients with prevalent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from clinical settings.
- Assessed RA severity using radiographic bone erosions (Larsen system), rheumatoid factor seropositivity, and rheumatoid nodules.
- Quantified smoking exposure in pack years.
Main Results:
- Smoking exposure (pack years) was significantly associated with rheumatoid factor seropositivity (p=0.0001), radiographic erosions (p=0.024), and nodules (p=0.051).
- Smokers with >= 25 pack years had higher odds of rheumatoid factor positivity (OR 3.1) and radiographic erosions (OR 2.4) compared to never-smokers.
- A dose-dependent relationship was observed, with less severe radiographic disease showing a stronger association with smoking.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoking may negatively impact rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease severity.
- The adverse effects of smoking on RA appear to be dose-dependent.
- Findings suggest smoking cessation could be crucial for managing RA severity.