Mini Review: Pulmonary Toxicity Secondary to Immunosuppressive Agents in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic rheumatic disease, characterized by erosive and destructive arthritis, representing an important cause of disability. Interstitial lung disease is not a rare event and can be aggravated by several immunosuppressive medications. Methotrexate, once seen as a drug associated with interstitial pneumonitis, is now seen as an agent capable of slowing or preventing the progression of lung disease related to rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-TNFs currently represent the class with the greatest impact on the course of pulmonary disease in RA, with a significant increase in mortality. Among the immunobiological agents, abatacept and Rituximab stand out in relation to the pulmonary safety profile.