Need for pulmonary screening in rheumatoid arthritis patients: An observational study

This observational, cross-sectional study assessed the need for pulmonary screening in 122 patients who presented with respiratory difficulties and suspected rheumatoid arthritis in Kochi, India. Endpoints of interest included the degree of pulmonary involvement relative to duration of disease, severity of dyspnea, and relationship between degree of pulmonary involvement and predisposing factors (ie age, duration of disease, gender, smoking). Pulmonary function was assessed using a Vitalograph spirometer with Spirotrac software.