Fast Five Quiz: Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Disease Management

Immunosuppression remains the cornerstone of management of CTD-ILD; the drugs include corticosteroids and corticosteroid-sparing medications, such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate. 

However, the PANTHER-IPF study challenges this protocol; the trial was prematurely terminated as a result of increased morbidity and mortality, much of which was due to pulmonary infection. It is now estimated that corticosteroids may increase the risk for serious infection fourfold.

If a patient shows a progressive deterioration in lung function or no slowing in lung function decline, discontinuation of immunosuppressive medications should be considered.

Learn more about CT-ILD treatment.

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Cite this: Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Disease Management - Medscape - Apr 05, 2021.