Smoking and Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis

Smoking cigarettes have been proven to cause a varying array of health issues, including causing diseases, increasing the risk of cancer, and reducing the health of smokers in general. In a recently published study in Rheumatology, researchers aimed to investigate the link between smoking status, including childhood and adult passive exposure, and the risk of incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

Passive smoking in childhood increases the risk of developing #rheumatoidarthritis – New research from @RheumJnl https://t.co/WZU9uqL3Kw pic.twitter.com/EUvlILwKdf

— Oxford Journals (@OxfordJournals) August 16, 2018

Latest research from #Rheumatology – #Passivesmoking in childhood increases the risk of developing #rheumatoidarthritis https://t.co/DZUcSFTq8W @RheumatologyUK

— Rheumatology & Rheumatology Advances in Practice (@RheumJnl) August 14, 2018

Researchers used the French E3N cohort, which included 98,995 female volunteers; participants were prospectively followed since 1990. The study authors collected data through questionnaires, sent every 2 to 3 years, and requested information on medical events, general, lifestyle and environmental characteristics. In 3 successive questionnaires, RA diagnoses were collected and confirmed if women received reimbursement for an RA-specific medication.  

https://twitter.com/physionico/status/1030144205824434176

Passive #smoking in childhood increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis https://t.co/THoZgLOutB #rheumedu

— Dr Chetan Narshi 💙 (@rheumi_) August 16, 2018

Results of the study showed that among 71,248 women, 371 incident RA cases were confirmed. Ever-smokers not exposed to passive smoking had an increased risk of RA [1.38 (95% CI 1.10, 1.74)]. Results also showed that ever-smokers who also had childhood passive smoking exposure had a higher risk of RA than smokers not exposed during childhood [HR 1.67 (95% CI 1.17, 2.39)], but without a significant difference (p=0.30). 

Yet another reason to keep children and smoking apart. https://t.co/UJII42Q4N7

— Musculoskeletal Australia (@MSKAust) August 17, 2018

“(The study) suggests for the first time that passive exposure to tobacco during childhood might also increase the risk of RA in future light smokers and probably non-smokers,” the researchers concluded. “Our results highlight the importance of avoiding any tobacco environment in children, especially in those with a family history of RA.” 

For more about rheumatoid arthritis, check out an article on rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes screening rates. 

SOURCE: Rheumatology