[Smoking--a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis development].
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disabling inflammatory joint disease of unknown aetiology. Genetic and environmental factors are implicated in its pathogenesis. We performed a literature search on MEDLINE, the Cochrane database and EMBASE on the interaction between smoking and RA. It is concluded that previous and current smoking constitute a risk factor for RA development. Smoking acts synergistically with other RA risk factors, including IgM-rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP and shared epitopes. The effect of smoking on the course of RA has not been described in sufficient detail.
Christensen
Anne Friesgaard
AF
Medicinsk Afdeling C, Odense Universitetshospital, DK-5000 Odense C. a.friesgaard@gmail.com
Lindegaard
Hanne Merete
HM
Junker
Peter
P
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D018450:Disease Progression; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*