The treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the context of autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis and idiopathic inflammatory myositis

Abstract

This article will mention the essential aspects of managing ILD associated with systemic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) has recently improved because of tighter control of RA disease activity. This article presents recent evidence of the effect of methotrexate on RA-ILD, which is associated with a better prognosis. The available alternatives include the use of anti-fibrotic drugs. In managing interstitial lung disease related to anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD-ILD) and anti-MDA5-associated ILD, immunosuppression and anti-fibrotic drug regimens are relevant aspects mentioned.