Smoking May Contribute to Severity of Arthritis

Smoking May Contribute to Severity of Arthritis

Chronic cigarette smoking has been associated with a number of health risks, including emphysema, throat and lung cancer, and birth defects. The influence of cigarette smoking on rheumatoid arthritis has also been suggested, which prompted this study of 336 subjects.

Cigarette smoking measured in "pack years"-a particular number of packs smoked equaling one year-and rheumatoid arthritis history were assessed by self-reported questionnaires, and a complete clinical examination for evidence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis disease was performed. The information was then analyzed to determine if any relationship existed between smoking and arthritis.

Smokers with at least 25 pack years were 3.1 times more likely to be rheumatoid factor positive and 2.4 times more likely to show radiographic erosions than subjects who never smoked. Cigarette smoking behavior may have a significant effect on the progression and severity of rheumatoid arthritis disease.

Saag KG, Cerhan JR, et al. Cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis severity. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 1997;56, pp463-69.