Pleuropulmonary complications in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease with decreased physical function. It is characterised by both articular and extra-articular manifestations. Pulmonary involvement is common and its complications are a leading cause of death in patients with RA. The present study was undertaken with the objective of analysing the incidence and severity of pleuro pulmonary complications in RA. A cross-sectional study on 36 patients with RA was carried out along with a detailed history, general and systemic examination. A blood picture showing C-Reactive protein and Rheumatoid factor were also done confirm the presence of the disease. Results were analysed using percentages and proportions and significance value. The study has shown that RA is predominantly and significantly (p=0.007) high in females in their fourth decade of life. However, respiratory abnormalities were found to be higher in males than female patients. Dyspnoea, cough and wheeze were among the common complaints whereas pleural rub was the most common clinical finding on examination. Early detection of respiratory involvement is interfered with due to physical deconditioning of the patient due to joint involvement. Key words : Rheumatoid arthritis, pleuro pulmonary complications, extra-articular manifestations