Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Risk for Interstitial Lung Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Risk for Interstitial Lung Disease

The overall goal of this study is to define the phenotype of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and identify factors that predict radiologic progression in those with subclinical RA-ILD, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The investigators hypothesize that there are common core elements (e.g. clinical features, genetic variants, and/or biologic markers) between other forms of ILD (e.g. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF) and subclinical RA-ILD that places individuals at risk for the development of lung disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥ 45years old
2. Diagnosis of RA using the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to give informed consent
2. Pregnant women
3. History of interstitial lung disease
4. Evidence of other causes of diffuse parenchymal lung disease such as infection, drug toxicity, other autoimmune processes, etc.
5. Subjects over the age of 90 years old or less than 45 years old