Study: Male Smokers Have Greater Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk

Male smokers, but not women, have a significantly greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study reported in the May issue of Arthritis Research and Therapy.

An association between smoking and rheumatoid arthritis has been widely reported in past studies.

The study conducted in Finland involved 1,095 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 1,530 others without the disease who served as a control group and reflected a random sample of the general population.

Males with a past history of smoking had twice the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those without such a history. However, no significant rheumatoid arthritis risk for women with a history of smoking was found.

The researchers said their study highlights the need for further research on the relationship between smoking and rheumatoid arthritis and gender-related factors such as menopause.

"The thought is that perhaps menstuation protects patients from rheumatoid arthritis just like it protects from heart attacks," Dr. Eswar Krishnan, a rheumatology fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine, told Medical Week.

"Quitting smoking may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis," added Krishnan, who led the research team.

Other sources: Arthritis Research and Therapy 2003 5(3):R158-R162