English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Background: The demographic distribution, symptom profile and treatment outcomes in Rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) has not been well described in South Africa due to a paucity of data. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the demographic profile of the disease, symptom and radiological presentation, as well as treatments used and their outcomes at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), a specialised public government hospital treating the majority of patients with RA-ILD in the province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Methods: This was a retrospective electronic chart review of 61 patients who were diagnosed with RA-ILD between January 2010 and December 2015 at IALCH pulmonology clinic. Demographic data, symptom presentation, Pulmonary function testing (PFT), High resolution computerised tomography (HRCT) features and treatment modalities were analysed as well as outcome based on symptoms, PFT and HRCT. Results: There were 61 subjects, the majority being female (90.2%). Approximately 86.9% were 50 years and older. The majority of the subjects were ethnic Indian 72.1% (n = 44), followed by Black Africans 23% (n = 14) and then Whites 4.9% (n = 3). All patients were HIV negative. 90% of patients had a restrictive lung function test. The commonest HRCT pattern was a usual interstitial pneumonia. Patients treated with a combination of prednisone and azathioprine had a decline in forced vital capacity (p value 0.04). There was no improvement or deterioration in patients treated with either drug alone. Conclusion: The management of RA-ILD is still a challenge. The combination of azathioprine and prednisone did not arrest disease progression in our study while either agent alone did not improve clinical and lung function parameters. Large randomised control studies are needed to further elucidate optimal management.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Retrospective 5-Year Review