Association between impaired lung function and risk of spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study in the UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND

Impaired lung function has been noted in individuals with spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, a comprehensive summary of the existing evidence related to these conditions is still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to explore the association between impaired lung function and the prevalence and incidence of SpA, utilizing data from the UK Biobank.

METHODS

A total of 411,780 participants with complete spirometry data were included in the study. Logistic regression and Cox regression models were employed to investigate the association between impaired lung function and the prevalence/incidence of SpA. In addition, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was applied to evaluate the nonlinear relationships between forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and/or forced vital capacity of the predicted value and SpA incidence.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted by using UK Biobank data from 411,780 participants with complete lung function records and HLA-B27 genotype. In addition, a prospective cohort of 409,069 individuals without baseline SpA and lost follow-up was followed longitudinally to assess incident SpA risk.

RESULT

The prevalence of SpA was significantly higher in individuals with preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) compared to those with normal spirometry, as evidenced by adjusted odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval (CI)) of 1.538 (1.409-1.680) for SpA. Over a median follow-up period of 14.64 years, 1637 participants (0.40%, 1637/409,069) developed SpA, with PRISm associated with an elevated risk for incident SpA (adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.249 (1.098-1.420)) when compared to normal spirometry. Furthermore, RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between FEV1 %pred and the risk of developing SpA (overall  < 0.001 and nonlinear  = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

The study unveiled a significant association between impaired lung function and the prevalence of SpA. Individuals with PRISm may have an elevated risk of incident SpA.