Case Report: Pirfenidone for the Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a primary manifestation of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but there are no therapeutic guidelines. Because RA-ILD shares some similarities with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), researchers evaluated the use antifibrotic therapy in patients with RA-ILD.

Two patients initially diagnosed with IPF with no signs or symptoms indicating other forms of ILD were treated with pirfenidone 2403 mg daily. After referral to a multidisciplinary outpatient facility, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antigen (ACPA) were found to be positive and a diagnosis of RA was made. Patients were treated with corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine in addition to pirfenidone. Researchers assessed the stabilization of articular and lung manifestations in both cases. No adverse events were noted.

Reference

Cassone G, Sebastiani M, Vacchi C, et al. Pirfenidone for the treatment of interstitial lung disease associated to rheumatoid arthritis: a new scenario is coming?. Respir Med Case Rep. 2020;30:101051. Published 2020 Apr 4. doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2020.101051.