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Al-Ahmari AK. Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:6507-6517. [PMID: 35966507 PMCID: PMC9374201 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s370956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Data regarding hypertension prevalence among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia are scarce. This study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods This was a cross-sectional study of adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis who presented at the OPD of two major hospitals in Riyadh city. Patient information such as demographic characteristics, comorbidities, drug use, and other clinical data were captured through medical record review and supplemented by patient interviews. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the significant factors for hypertension. Results The prevalence of hypertension was found in 32.35% of the 1490 rheumatoid arthritis patients who participated in our study. Logistic regression analyses revealed that advanced age, female sex, low education level, unemployment, smoking, and consulting with physicians less than two times within the past 12 months were risk factors for increased hypertension prevalence among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A significantly higher risk of hypertension was observed among RA patients with obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cancer, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and Parkinson’s disease than among patients without these comorbidities. Conclusion Hypertension is highly prevalent among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and advanced age, sex, low educational level, unemployment, smoking, and comorbidities are risk factors for increased hypertension prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah K Al-Ahmari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Choi SE, Xu H, Kang JH, Park DJ, Kweon SS, Lee YH, Kim HY, Lee JK, Shin MH, Lee SS. Elevated resting heart rate is associated with increased radiographic severity of knee but not hand joints. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23697. [PMID: 34880392 PMCID: PMC8655047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the resting heart rate (RHR) predicts the clinical outcomes of cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and the risk of cancer, its role in patients with musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), remains unclear. We explored the association of the RHR with the extents of radiographic changes in the knees and hands of 2369 subjects from the Dong-gu Study. The radiographic hand and knee joint findings were graded semi-quantitatively; we calculated total hand and knee joint scores. Multiple linear regression was performed to examine the associations between the RHR and the radiographic characteristics of these joints. For the knee joints, the RHR was associated positively with the total (p < 0.01), osteophyte (p < 0.01), joint space narrowing (JSN; p < 0.01), and tibial attrition (p = 0.02) scores after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, educational and physical activity levels, and comorbidities. For the hand joints, the RHR was associated positively with the JSN (p = 0.01) and subchondral cyst (p < 0.01) scores after such adjustment. The RHR was not associated with the total, osteophyte, sclerosis, erosion, or malalignment score for the hand joints. This study is the first to reveal an association between the RHR and the radiographic severity of knee, but not hand, OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School & Hospital, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Haimuzi Xu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School & Hospital, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyoun Kang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School & Hospital, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jin Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School & Hospital, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Seog Kweon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 160 Baekseo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea.,Jeonnam Regional Cancer Center, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yeon Kim
- Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Cardiocerebrovascular Center, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kil Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ho Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 160 Baekseo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shin-Seok Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School & Hospital, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61469, Republic of Korea.
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Microdevice immunoassay with conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for rapid anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) detection. Talanta 2021; 224:121801. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Boersma P, McElwee MK, Hashmi H, Schreiner P, Demmer RT, Shmagel A. Blood Pressure Trends in Patients With Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared With Controls Without Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study. ACR Open Rheumatol 2019; 1:173-181. [PMID: 31777792 PMCID: PMC6858045 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) conveys an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it imperative that traditional CVD risk factors are well controlled. This study compared blood pressure (BP) trends over 13 years among patients with seropositive RA and patients without RA who received care within a large health care system in Minnesota. Methods This retrospective cohort study compared 774 patients with seropositive RA and 3254 patients without RA who were matched on sex and year of birth (±5 years) and observed between 2005 and 2017. Generalized estimating equation models were used for longitudinal analyses, with adjustment for demographics, body mass index, smoking status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, number of BP measurements, and number of antihypertensive and oral glucocorticoid medications. Results Patients both with and without RA had a mean age of 55 and were predominately female (78% with RA; 79% without RA). The mean follow‐up was 6.3 (SD 3.4) years for patients with RA and 7.2 (SD 3.3) years for patients without RA. Overall, systolic BP, diastolic BP, and the number of prescribed antihypertensive medications did not differ between groups. Patients with RA were more likely to be current smokers compared with patients without RA (23% vs 11%; P < 0.01) and were less likely to have serum lipid measurements (75% vs 85%; P < 0.01). Conclusion BP was similarly controlled in patients with seropositive RA and patients without RA. However, diastolic BP in patients with RA was trending up in most recent years. Patients with RA were also more likely to smoke compared with controls and were less likely to have serum lipid measurements.
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Bartels CM, Johnson H, Alcaraz Voelker K, Ogdie A, McBride P, Jacobs EA, Zhao YQ, Smith M. Frequency and Predictors of Communication About High Blood Pressure in Rheumatoid Arthritis Visits. J Clin Rheumatol 2018; 24:210-217. [PMID: 29688897 PMCID: PMC5962363 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000000726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Given heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and that higher blood pressure (BP) represents greater CVD risk, we hypothesized that higher BP would predict more BP-related communication in rheumatology visits. We examined predictors of documented BP communication during RA clinic visits. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of RA patients identified in electronic health record records with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) receiving both primary and rheumatology care. Trained abstractors reviewed RA visit notes for "BP communication" using a standardized tool to elicit documentation about BP or HTN beyond recording vital signs. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the impact of BP category (American Heart Association: ideal normotension, pre-HTN, and stages I and II HTN) on odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of BP communication. RESULTS Among 1267 RA patients, 40% experienced BP elevations meeting the definition of uncontrolled HTN. Of 2677 eligible RA visits, 22% contained any documented BP communication. After adjustment, models predicted only 31% of visits with markedly high BPs 160/100 mm Hg or greater would contain BP communication. Compared with stage I, stage II elevation did not significantly increase communication (odds ratio, 2.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.8] vs. 1.5 [1.2-2.2]), although both groups' odds exceeded pre-HTN and normotension. Less than 10% of eligible visits resulted in documented action steps recommending follow-up of high BP. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of BP magnitude, most RA clinic visits lacked documented communication about BP despite compounded CVD risk. Future work should study how rheumatology clinics can facilitate follow-up of high BPs to address HTN as the most common and reversible CVD risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexis Ogdie
- Division of Rheumatology, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center for Pharmacoepidemiology Research and Training, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - Ying-Qi Zhao
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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Bellinger DL, Lorton D. Sympathetic Nerve Hyperactivity in the Spleen: Causal for Nonpathogenic-Driven Chronic Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs)? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041188. [PMID: 29652832 PMCID: PMC5979464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs) is a descriptive term coined for an eclectic group of diseases or conditions that share common inflammatory pathways, and for which there is no definitive etiology. IMIDs affect the elderly most severely, with many older individuals having two or more IMIDs. These diseases include, but are not limited to, type-1 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmunity, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjőgren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. These diseases are ostensibly unrelated mechanistically, but increase in frequency with age and share chronic systemic inflammation, implicating major roles for the spleen. Chronic systemic and regional inflammation underlies the disease manifestations of IMIDs. Regional inflammation and immune dysfunction promotes targeted end organ tissue damage, whereas systemic inflammation increases morbidity and mortality by affecting multiple organ systems. Chronic inflammation and skewed dysregulated cell-mediated immune responses drive many of these age-related medical disorders. IMIDs are commonly autoimmune-mediated or suspected to be autoimmune diseases. Another shared feature is dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Here, we focus on dysautonomia. In many IMIDs, dysautonomia manifests as an imbalance in activity/reactivity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). These major autonomic pathways are essential for allostasis of the immune system, and regulating inflammatory processes and innate and adaptive immunity. Pathology in ANS is a hallmark and causal feature of all IMIDs. Chronic systemic inflammation comorbid with stress pathway dysregulation implicate neural-immune cross-talk in the etiology and pathophysiology of IMIDs. Using a rodent model of inflammatory arthritis as an IMID model, we report disease-specific maladaptive changes in β₂-adrenergic receptor (AR) signaling from protein kinase A (PKA) to mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the spleen. Beta₂-AR signal "shutdown" in the spleen and switching from PKA to G-coupled protein receptor kinase (GRK) pathways in lymph node cells drives inflammation and disease advancement. Based on these findings and the existing literature in other IMIDs, we present and discuss relevant literature that support the hypothesis that unresolvable immune stimulation from chronic inflammation leads to a maladaptive disease-inducing and perpetuating sympathetic response in an attempt to maintain allostasis. Since the role of sympathetic dysfunction in IMIDs is best studied in RA and rodent models of RA, this IMID is the primary one used to evaluate data relevant to our hypothesis. Here, we review the relevant literature and discuss sympathetic dysfunction as a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of IMIDs, and then discuss a novel target for treatment. Based on our findings in inflammatory arthritis and our understanding of common inflammatory process that are used by the immune system across all IMIDs, novel strategies to restore SNS homeostasis are expected to provide safe, cost-effective approaches to treat IMIDs, lower comorbidities, and increase longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise L Bellinger
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Dianne Lorton
- College of Arts and Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44304, USA.
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The fact not to ignore: Mean blood pressure is the main predictor of increased arterial stiffness in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Adv Med Sci 2017; 62:223-229. [PMID: 28500898 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the association between carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and factors potentially influencing them in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). MATERIAL AND METHODS 316 patients diagnosed with RA (32%), SLE (20%), SSc (16%) and 156 controls (32%) were included in the study. Parameters of arterial stiffness AIx and PWV were obtained using applanation tonometry. FMD reflecting endothelial function was measured by ultrasound. RESULTS AIx was increased in all three diseases (p<0.0001), but no differences were found between rheumatic diseases. In most of the RA cases PWV values were abnormal (on average by 0.52m/sec higher than in controls), while in SSc patients FMD values were diminished (p=0.006). Mean blood pressure (MBP) was the most consistent predictive factor in all three diseases, influencing both PWV and AIx, although patient age was also important in variation of AIx. The disease activity score (DAS28) was relevant only in RA patients. Furthermore, SLE disease activity index in SLE or Rodnan skin thickness score had no statistical significance in SSc and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS Both, PWV and AIx are dependent on MBP and age DAS28 may affect AIx in RA patients, while other disease or inflammatory markers are unlikely to have any effect. MBP is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors affecting the arterial stiffness in RA, SLE and SSc patients therefore controlling MBP in systemic rheumatic disease patients is mandatory.
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Zegkos T, Kitas G, Dimitroulas T. Cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: assessment, management and next steps. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2016; 8:86-101. [PMID: 27247635 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x16643340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality which cannot be fully explained by traditional CV risk factors; cumulative inflammatory burden and antirheumatic medication-related cardiotoxicity seem to be important contributors. Despite the acknowledgment and appreciation of CV disease burden in RA, optimal management of individuals with RA represents a challenging task which remains suboptimal. To address this need, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) published recommendations suggesting the adaptation of traditional risk scores by using a multiplication factor of 1.5 if two of three specific criteria are fulfilled. Such guidance requires proper coordination of several medical specialties, including general practitioners, rheumatologists, cardiologists, exercise physiologists and psychologists to achieve a desirable result. Tight control of disease activity, management of traditional risk factors and lifestyle modification represent, amongst others, the most important steps in improving CV disease outcomes in RA patients. Rather than enumerating studies and guidelines, this review attempts to critically appraise current literature, highlighting future perspectives of CV risk management in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zegkos
- First Cardiology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Kitas
- Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, School of Translational Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, 49 Konstantinoupoleos Str, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Midtbø H, Gerdts E, Kvien TK, Olsen IC, Lønnebakken MT, Davidsen ES, Rollefstad S, Semb AG. The association of hypertension with asymptomatic cardiovascular organ damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Blood Press 2016; 25:298-304. [PMID: 27123584 DOI: 10.3109/08037051.2016.1172867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of hypertension with asymptomatic cardiovascular organ damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been little studied by echocardiography. METHODS Echocardiography was done in 134 RA patients and 102 healthy controls. Left ventricular (LV) geometry was considered abnormal if LV mass index or relative wall thickness was increased. LV diastolic dysfunction was considered present if septal early diastolic tissue velocity <8 cm/s. Systemic arterial compliance (SAC) was assessed from stroke volume index/pulse pressure ratio. RESULTS The hypertensive RA patients (n = 72) had higher inflammatory activity, older age and more diabetes than the normotensive RA patients (n = 62) (all p < 0.05). Rates of abnormal LV geometry, LV diastolic dysfunction and lower SAC were higher among the hypertensive RA patients (p < 0.05), but similar between normotensive RA patients and controls. Hypertension was associated with a 3-fold higher prevalence both for abnormal LV geometry (odds ratio 2.89 [95% confidence interval 1.09-7.63], p = 0.03) and for diastolic LV dysfunction (odds ratio 2.92 [95% confidence interval 1.14-7.46], p = 0.03) as well as lower SAC (β = 0.31, p = 0.001) independent of age, gender, diabetes and inflammatory activity measured by erythrocyte sedimentation rate. CONCLUSION The presence of asymptomatic cardiovascular organ damage in RA patients is closely associated with hypertension independent of inflammatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Midtbø
- a Department of Heart Disease , Haukeland University Hospital , Bergen , Norway ;,b Department of Clinical Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Eva Gerdts
- b Department of Clinical Science , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | - Tore K Kvien
- c Department of Rheumatology , Diakonhjemmet Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Inge C Olsen
- c Department of Rheumatology , Diakonhjemmet Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | | | | | - Silvia Rollefstad
- c Department of Rheumatology , Diakonhjemmet Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Anne Grete Semb
- c Department of Rheumatology , Diakonhjemmet Hospital , Oslo , Norway
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Relationship between serum uric acid, metabolic syndrome and resting heart rate in Chinese elderly. Obes Res Clin Pract 2016; 10:159-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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van Breukelen—van der Stoep DF, van Zeben D, Klop B, van de Geijn GJM, Janssen HJW, Hazes MJMW, Birnie E, van der Meulen N, De Vries MA, Castro Cabezas M. Association of Cardiovascular Risk Factors with Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis with Low Disease Activity Compared to Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140844. [PMID: 26485681 PMCID: PMC4617300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. The importance of risk factors such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia in the generation of atherosclerosis in RA patients is unclear. This study analyzed clinical parameters associated with carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in patients with RA. Methods Subjects with RA and healthy controls without RA, both without known cardiovascular disease, were included. Participants underwent a standard physical examination and laboratory measurements including a lipid profile. cIMT was measured semi-automatically by ultrasound. Results In total 243 RA patients and 117 controls were included. The median RA disease duration was 7 years (IQR 2–14 years). The median DAS28 was 2.4 (IQR 1.6–3.2) and 114 (50.4%) of the RA patients were in remission. The presence of RA and cIMT were not associated (univariate analysis). Multivariable regression analysis showed that cIMT in RA patients was associated with age (B = 0.006, P<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (B = 0.003, P = 0.003). In controls, cIMT was associated with age (B = 0.006, P<0.001) and smoking (B = 0.097, P = 0.001). Conclusion cIMT values were similar between RA patients and controls. Hypertension was strongly associated with cIMT in RA patients. After adjustment, no association between cIMT and specific RA disease characteristics was found in this well treated RA cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derkjen van Zeben
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn Klop
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans J. W. Janssen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erwin Birnie
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Statistics and Education, St. Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noelle van der Meulen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke A. De Vries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel Castro Cabezas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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van Breukelen-van der Stoep DF, Zijlmans J, van Zeben D, Klop B, van de Geijn GJM, van der Meulen N, Hazes M, Birnie E, Castro Cabezas M. Adherence to cardiovascular prevention strategies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 2015; 44:443-8. [PMID: 26169960 DOI: 10.3109/03009742.2015.1028997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent national and international guidelines suggest strict treatment of CVD risk factors in RA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-reported adherence to CV prevention strategies in patients with RA. METHOD RA patients visiting an outpatient clinic for strict CVD risk management received a validated questionnaire to evaluate adherence to CV prevention strategies. Strict treatment targets were defined and lifestyle recommendations were given following a prespecified protocol. CVD risk was assessed using the SCORE algorithm. RESULTS In total, 111 questionnaires were returned (response rate of 82%). A high 10-year CVD risk (≥ 20%) was present in 53%, but only 3% thought they had an increased CVD risk. A total of 53% of patients reported that they 'follow the doctors' suggestions exactly' and 75% reported finding it 'easy to follow the suggestions'. Of the 69% of patients who were prescribed lipid- and/or blood pressure-lowering drugs, 90% reported taking all prescribed tablets. The advice to follow a diet was given to 42%, of whom 68% said they followed the advised diet. Physical exercise was advised to 67%, of whom 62% said they performed specific physical exercise on at least 3 days a week. The adherence to lifestyle recommendations was not significantly different across the CVD risk groups. CONCLUSIONS RA patients tend to underestimate their CVD risk. The self-reported adherence of RA patients to CVD risk management was high concerning pharmaceutical interventions and moderate in the case of lifestyle interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Zijlmans
- a Department of Rheumatology , Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - D van Zeben
- a Department of Rheumatology , Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - B Klop
- b Department of Internal Medicine , Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - G J M van de Geijn
- c Department of Clinical Chemistry , Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - N van der Meulen
- b Department of Internal Medicine , Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - M Hazes
- d Department of Rheumatology , Erasmus Medical Centre , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - E Birnie
- e Institute of Health Policy and Management , Erasmus University , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.,f Statistics and Education , Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - M Castro Cabezas
- b Department of Internal Medicine , Sint Franciscus Gasthuis , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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The effects of the spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor fostamatinib on ambulatory blood pressure in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: results of the OSKIRA-ABPM (ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) randomized trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 8:780-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jash.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Adlan AM, Lip GYH, Paton JFR, Kitas GD, Fisher JP. Autonomic function and rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2014; 44:283-304. [PMID: 25151910 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Accumulating evidence indicates that the immune and autonomic nervous systems (ANS) are major contributors to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We performed the first systematic literature review to determine the prevalence and nature of ANS dysfunction in RA and whether there is a causal relationship between inflammation and ANS function. METHODS Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Central and Cochrane Library) were searched for studies of RA patients where autonomic function was assessed. RESULTS A total of 40 studies were included. ANS function was assessed by clinical cardiovascular reflex tests (CCTs) (n = 18), heart rate variability (HRV) (n = 15), catecholamines (n = 5), biomarkers of sympathetic activity (n = 5), sympathetic skin responses (n = 5), cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) (n = 2) and pupillary light reflexes (n = 2). A prevalence of ~60% (median, range: 20-86%) of ANS dysfunction (defined by abnormal CCTs) in RA was reported in 9 small studies. Overall, 73% of studies (n = 27/37) reported at least one of the following abnormalities in ANS function: parasympathetic dysfunction (n = 20/26, 77%), sympathetic dysfunction (n = 16/30, 53%) or reduced cBRS (n = 1/2, 50%). An association between increased inflammation and ANS dysfunction was found (n = 7/19, 37%), although causal relationships could not be elucidated from the studies available to date. CONCLUSIONS ANS dysfunction is prevalent in ~60% of RA patients. The main pattern of dysfunction is impairment of cardiovascular reflexes and altered HRV, indicative of reduced cardiac parasympathetic (strong evidence) activity and elevated cardiac sympathetic activity (limited evidence). The literature to date is underpowered to determine causal relationships between inflammation and ANS dysfunction in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Adlan
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2 TT, UK.
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- University of Birmingham Centre of Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Julian F R Paton
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, Bristol CardioVascular Medical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands, UK
| | - James P Fisher
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2 TT, UK
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15
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Cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: How to lower the risk? Atherosclerosis 2013; 231:163-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Protogerou AD, Panagiotakos DB, Zampeli E, Argyris AA, Arida K, Konstantonis GD, Pitsavos C, Kitas GD, Sfikakis PP. Arterial hypertension assessed "out-of-office" in a contemporary cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients free of cardiovascular disease is characterized by high prevalence, low awareness, poor control and increased vascular damage-associated "white coat" phenomenon. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R142. [PMID: 24286134 PMCID: PMC3978881 DOI: 10.1186/ar4324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, whereas arterial hypertension is a major modifiable CVD risk factor with still unclear prevalence in RA disease. We conducted a comprehensive study on hypertension characteristics evaluating for the first time out-of-office blood pressure (BP) in a typical contemporary RA cohort. METHODS Assessment of office and out-of-office BP (when office systolic/diastolic BP was >129/79) and vascular studies including evaluation of aortic stiffness, carotid hypertrophy/plaques and ankle-brachial index, were performed in 214 consecutive, consenting RA patients free of CVD (aged 58.4 ± 12.3 years, 82% women). As comparators regarding office hypertension measurements, data from 214 subjects (1:1 matched for age and gender with the RA patients) derived from a cohort designed to assess the prevalence of hypertension in the general population were used. RESULTS The prevalence of declared known hypertension in the RA population was 44%. Of the remaining RA patients, 2 in every 5 individuals had abnormal office BP (systolic/diastolic >139/89 mmHg), contributing to almost double the prevalence of declared/office hypertension compared to the general matched population (67% vs. 34%). Out-of-office (home or ambulatory 24 hour) BP measurements revealed that: (i) a 54% prevalence of actual hypertension in RA, in other words almost 10% of the patients were unaware of having hypertension and (ii) 29% of the RA patients with known hypertension were not well controlled. Actual hypertension was positively associated with age and body mass index, and inversely with the use of biologic drugs. Overall, almost 1 out of 5 presented the 'white coat' phenomenon. An intermediately compromised vascular phenotype was evident in this "white coat" subgroup (lying between patients with sustained normotension and sustained hypertension) in terms of aortic stiffness, carotid hypertrophy and ankle-brachial index, even after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSION Beyond any doubt on the basis of out-of-office evaluation, arterial hypertension in RA has a high prevalence, low awareness and poor control, as well as substantial and vascular damage-associated "white coat" phenomenon. Thus, correct diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension is of key importance in RA for CVD risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanase D Protogerou
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenis B Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Group of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Methods, Harokopio, University, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Zampeli
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis A Argyris
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Arida
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Giorgos D Konstantonis
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Pitsavos
- First Department of Cardiology, Ippokrateion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, and Arthritis Research Campaign Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Rheumatology Unit and Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Bartoloni E, Alunno A, Bistoni O, Gerli R. Cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorders: a suggested model of preventive strategy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2013; 44:14-22. [PMID: 21240669 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-010-8251-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of accelerated cardiovascular damage commonly characterizing patients affected by systemic chronic inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic disorders is quite complex and still not fully clarified. However, it is well accepted that a strong relationship between multiple factors, including both traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease-related inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms, may in part explain the precocious atherosclerotic vessel damage and the increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, although several recent studies focused their attention on the investigation of these complex mechanisms, data regarding possible preventive strategies aimed to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk in these subjects are still lacking and not conclusive. In this setting, the early introduction of evidence-based preventive measures for the correct management of patients with systemic autoimmune disorders would be of extreme importance to reduce subclinical atherosclerosis incidence and possible major cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Via Enrico Dal Pozzo, 06122 Perugia, Italy
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18
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Multimodality imaging and the emerging role of cardiac magnetic resonance in autoimmune myocarditis. Autoimmun Rev 2012; 12:305-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Boyer JF, Bongard V, Cantagrel A, Jamard B, Gottenberg JE, Mariette X, Davignon JL, Ferrières J, Ruidavets JB, Dallongeville J, Arveiler D, Cambon-Thomsen A, Constantin A. Link between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation in patients with early arthritis: Results from a French Multicenter Cohort. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2012; 64:872-80. [DOI: 10.1002/acr.21623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Schultz AJ, Schutte AE, Schutte R. Double product and end-organ damage in African and Caucasian men: the SABPA study. Int J Cardiol 2012; 167:792-7. [PMID: 22465346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing urbanisation in sub-Saharan African countries is causing a rapid increase in cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests that Africans have higher blood pressures and a higher prevalence of hypertension-related cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, compared to Caucasians. We investigated double product (systolic blood pressure × heart rate), a substantial measure of cardiac workload, as a possible cardiovascular risk factor in African and Caucasian men. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study consisted of 101 urbanised African and 101 Caucasian male school teachers. We measured 24h ambulatory blood pressure and the carotid cross-sectional wall area, and determined left ventricular hypertrophy electrocardiographically by means of the Cornell product. Urinary albumin and creatinine were analysed to obtain the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. RESULTS Africans had higher 24h, daytime and nighttime systolic- and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and resultant double product compared to the Caucasians. In addition, markers of end-organ damage, albumin-to-creatinine ratio and left ventricular hypertrophy were higher in the Africans while cross-sectional wall area did not differ. In Africans after single partial and multiple regression analysis, 24h systolic blood pressure, but not double product or heart rate, correlated positively with markers of end-organ damage (cross-sectional wall area: β=0.398, P=0.005; left ventricular hypertrophy: β=0.455, P<0.001; albumin-to-creatinine ratio: β=0.280, P=0.012). No associations were evident in Caucasian men. CONCLUSIONS Double product may not be a good marker of increased cardiovascular risk when compared to systolic blood pressure in African and Caucasian men.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Schultz
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, School for Physiology, Nutrition, and Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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García-Ortiz L, García-García A, Ramos-Delgado E, Patino-Alonso MC, Recio-Rodríguez JI, Rodríguez-Sánchez E, Gómez-Marcos MA. Relationships of night/day heart rate ratio with carotid intima media thickness and markers of arterial stiffness. Atherosclerosis 2011; 217:420-6. [PMID: 21514590 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the relationship between office and ambulatory heart rate, and its variability, and arterial stiffness in patients with primary arterial hypertension. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary care setting, with the inclusion of 356 hypertensive patients aged 30-80 years. Office and ambulatory blood pressure, heart rate, night/day heart rate ratio and the corresponding standard deviations, were determined. Arterial stiffness was assessed according to carotid intima media thickness, pulse wave velocity, the central and peripheral augmentation index, and the ambulatory arterial stiffness index. RESULTS Carotid intima media thickness, central and peripheral augmentation index, and ambulatory arterial stiffness index were negatively correlated to office and ambulatory heart rate and its standard deviation, and positively correlated to the night/day heart rate ratio. Pulse wave velocity showed a negative correlation to 24 h standard deviation heart rate and a positive correlation to nocturnal heart rate and the night/day heart rate ratio. For each 10 bpm increment in 24 h heart rate, the pulse wave velocity increased 0.42 m/s (95%CI: 0.23-0.60) and ambulatory arterial stiffness index decreased 0.01 (95%CI: 0.01-0.02); in the case of office heart rate, the peripheral augmentation index decreased 4.74 (95%CI: 3.15-6.33) and central augmentation index decreased 3.52 (95%CI: 2.43-4.30), while for 24 h standard deviation heart rate, carotid intima media thickness decreased 0.03 mm (95%CI: 0.01-0.06). CONCLUSIONS Office and ambulatory heart rate, and the corresponding standard deviations, are inversely associated to the arterial stiffness markers, with the exception of pulse wave velocity, where a direct correlation is observed. A greater increase in night/day ratio, i.e., a lesser decrease in nocturnal heart rate, is associated to increased arterial stiffness.
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Gisondi P, Malerba M, Malara G, Puglisi Guerra A, Sala R, Radaeli A, Calzavara-Pinton P, Girolomoni G. C-reactive protein and markers for thrombophilia in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2011; 23:1195-202. [PMID: 21244768 DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic plaque psoriasis is associated to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of our study is to test patients with psoriasis for common markers of acquired and inherited thrombophilia. A cross-sectional study on 172 patients with psoriasis and 198 controls was carried out. The plasma levels of coagulation protein C, coagulation protein S, homocysteine, folic acid, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen as well as activated protein C resistance and antithrombin III activity, were measured. CRP and homocysteine levels were higher in patients with psoriasis than in controls (5.9 ± 7.1 vs 3.1 ± 2.4 mg/L, p=0.0003 and 16.3 ± 12.8 vs 10.4 ± 4.6 umol/L, p=0.0001; mean ± SD) whereas folic acid was lower in psoriatic patients compared to controls (4.3 ± 7.2 vs 12.6 ± 7.9 p=0.006). Levels of coagulation protein C, coagulation protein S, fibrinogen as well as activated protein C resistance, antithrombin III activity were within normal ranges both in cases and controls. In a multivariate regression analysis, psoriasis severity was an independent predictor of higher CRP. In conclusion, high levels of serum CRP and homocysteine were found in patients with psoriasis, related to the severity of the disease. These data suggest that the increased risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events observed in psoriasis patients should be ascribed to an acquired rather than inherited thrombophilic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gisondi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Science, University of Verona, Italy
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Pieringer H, Pichler M. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: vascular alterations and possible clinical implications. QJM 2011; 104:13-26. [PMID: 21068083 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcq203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is higher than in the general population, which is due mainly to premature cardiovascular disease. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors cannot entirely explain the higher level of cardiovascular complications, and there is growing evidence that chronic inflammation is the main culprit. The aims of this review of the literature are to (i) summarize aspects of vascular alterations found in the cardiovascular system of RA patients and to relate them to the clinically relevant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and (ii) evaluate what these abnormalities and complications might in the end imply for clinical management. A number of abnormalities in the cardiovascular system of RA patients have been identified, on the molecular level, in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, arterial morphology and, finally, in the clinical presentation of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular risk assessment should be part of the care of RA patients. While a great deal of data is published demonstrating abnormalities in the cardiovascular system of these patients, it is much less clear what specific interventions should be performed to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular complications. Cardiovascular care should be delivered in accordance with recommendations for the general population. Whether specific drugs (e.g. statins, aspirin) are of particular benefit in RA patients needs further investigation. Control of inflammation appears to be of benefit. Methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor-α blocking agents might reduce the number of cardiovascular events. Leflunomide, cyclosporine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors may worsen cardiovascular outcome. The role of glucocorticoids in active RA remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Pieringer
- 2nd Department of Medicine, General Hospital Linz, Krankenhausstr. 9, A-4020 Linz, Austria.
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Cardiovascular complications of rheumatoid arthritis: assessment, prevention, and treatment. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2010; 36:405-26. [PMID: 20510241 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality rates are higher in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than in the general population. Ischemic heart disease and heart failure now represent one of the most common causes of death in RA. Indeed, RA appears to represent an independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease, similar to diabetes mellitus. However, no clear guidelines with regard to cardiovascular disease diagnosis and prevention in RA have been developed. This review highlights recent investigations on the assessment, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in RA.
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