Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Lung Disease Study
Extra-articular (outside of joints) disease occurs in approximately 50% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, with the lung being a common site of involvement. The goals of this study are to investigate and characterize lung disease and its prevalence in early RA participants. This will be done through pulmonary function and high resolution chest computed tomography (CT), questionnaires, and serum studies. Another goal is to find novel biomarkers, such anti-malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) antibodies, as predictors of lung disease in RA participants.
• 19-90 years of age
• Able to give informed consent
• Diagnosis of RA by a Rheumatologist using 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria within the past 2 years