Novel Biomarkers, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Disease-A Narrative Review

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a systemic inflammatory disease marked by polyarthritis which affects the joints symmetrically, leading to progressive damage of the bone structure and eventually joint deformity. Lung involvement is the most prevalent extra-articular feature of RA, affecting 10-60% of patients with this disease. In this review, we aim to discuss the patterns of RA interstitial lung disease (ILD), the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ILD in RA, and also the therapeutic challenges in this particular extra-articular manifestation. The pathophysiology of RA-ILD has been linked to biomarkers such as anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), MUC5B mutation, Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6), and other environmental factors such as smoking. Patients at the highest risk for RA-ILD and those most likely to advance will be identified using biomarkers. The hope is that finding biomarkers with good performance characteristics would help researchers better understand the pathophysiology of RA-ILD and, in turn, lead to the development of tailored therapeutics for this severe RA manifestation.

Keywords: biomarkers; interstitial lung disease; rheumatoid arthritis; treatment.

Figure 1

Pathogenesis of RA-ILD.

Figure 2

CT of the thorax—lung window—showing bilateral fine interstitial thickening and ground glass opacities with a basal predominance, minimal traction bronchiectasis and relative subpleural sparing (NSIP pattern).