Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk Linked to Certain Occupations

Occupations related to potential noxious airborne agents were associated with increased risk of developing anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) + RA or ACPA- rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a recent study.

The researchers analyzed data from 3522 cases and 5580 controls from a Swedish population-based case-control study. Participants answered questionnaires regarding work history and lifestyle, and blood samples were collected.

Overall, men who worked as bricklayers, concrete workers, and electrical and electronics workers had increased risk of ACPA+ RA and ACPA- RA, and women who worked as assistant nurses and attendants had moderately increased risk of ACPA+ RA.

“Mainly occupations related to potential noxious airborne agents were associated with an increased risk of ACPA+ or ACPA- RA, after adjustments for previously known confounders,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Ilar A, Alfredsson L, Wiebert P, et al. Occupation and risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis: results from a population-based case-control study [published online August 10, 2017]. Arthritis Care Res. DOI: 10.1002/acr.23321.