Methotrexate protective against lung function decline and mortality in patients with RA

Key clinical point: The use of methotrexate was protective against lung function decline and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

Major finding: Use of methotrexate was protective against decline in lung function (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.269; P = .014) and mortality (aOR 0.284; P = .029). However, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate at baseline was a risk factor for decline in lung function (aOR 3.056; P = .021). Age ≥65 years (aOR 2.723; P = .024) and radiologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or probable UIP (aOR 3.948; P = .005) were risk factors for mortality.

Study details: The findings are from a retrospective cohort study including 170 patients with RA-ILD who underwent at least one spirometry test and chest computed tomography scan and were treated with methotrexate or oral glucocorticoids.

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Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Kim K et al. Protective effect of methotrexate on lung function and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis–related interstitial lung disease: A retrospective cohort study. Ther Adv Respir Dis. 2022;16:17534666221135314 (Nov 8). Doi: 10.1177/17534666221135314