The Impact of Tobacco Smoking on Systemic Sclerosis, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myositis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This narrative review aims specifically to explore the relationship between tobacco exposure and systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Relevant articles were obtained by searching key terms such as "tobacco," "smoking," "scleroderma," "myositis," "lupus," and "Sj & ouml;gren's" in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The selected articles ranged from the years 2010 to 2023. Inclusion criteria were based on the relevance and contribution to the field of study. Systemic sclerosis is a complex condition involving multiple immune cell lines that can be influenced by tobacco. However, the existing literature does not provide sufficient evidence to support an increased risk of SSc in smokers or the impact on treatment options. Cigarette smoking does increase the risk of skin ulcerations in SSc patients. In addition, cigarette smoking has been associated with IIM through genetic and molecular mechanisms. Smokers with dermatomyositis or polymyositis are at an elevated risk of atherosclerosis and interstitial lung disease. Similarly, smoking in patients with SLE increases the risk of organ damage, thrombosis, and disease severity compared with non-smokers. Smokers with SLE also have more difficulty in controlling disease flares compared with non-smokers. Tobacco exposure can lead to secondary complications in patients with IIM and SLE, although the course of treatment may not differ significantly. No definitive conclusions can be drawn to the clear relationship between tobacco smoking and Sj & ouml;gren's's syndrome.