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Evangelatos G, Konstantonis G, Tentolouris N, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Arterial stiffness tested by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index for cardiovascular risk stratification in antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1030-1038. [PMID: 37294733 PMCID: PMC10986810 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Arterial stiffness (ArS) has emerged as a predictor of future cardiovascular events in the general population. We aimed to assess ArS in patients with thrombotic APS versus diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy controls (HC) and identify predictors of increased ArS in APS. METHODS ArS was evaluated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index normalized to 75 beats/min (AIx@75) using the SphygmoCor device. Participants also underwent carotid/femoral ultrasound for atherosclerotic plaque detection. We used linear regression to compare ArS measures among groups and assess ArS determinants in the APS group. RESULTS We included 110 patients with APS (70.9% female, mean age 45.4 years), 110 DM patients and 110 HC, all age/sex matched. After adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and plaque presence, APS patients exhibited similar cfPWV [β = -0.142 (95% CI -0.514, 0.230), p = 0.454] but increased AIx@75 [β = 4.525 (95% CI 1.372, 7.677), p = 0.005] compared with HC and lower cfPWV (p < 0.001) but similar AIx@75 (p = 0.193) versus DM patients. In the APS group, cfPWV was independently associated with age [β = 0.056 (95% CI 0.034, 0.078), p < 0.001], mean arterial pressure (MAP) [β = 0.070 (95% CI 0.043, 0.097), p < 0.001], atherosclerotic femoral plaques [β = 0.732 (95% CI 0.053, 1.411), p = 0.035] and anti-β2-glycoprotein I IgM positivity [β = 0.696 (95% CI 0.201, 1.191), p = 0.006]. AIx@75 was associated with age [β = 0.334 (95% CI 0.117, 0.551), p = 0.003], female sex [β = 7.447 (95% CI 2.312, 12.581), p = 0.005] and MAP [β = 0.425 (95% CI 0.187, 0.663), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION APS patients exhibit elevated AIx@75 vs HC and similar to DM patients, indicating enhanced arterial stiffening in APS. Given its prognostic value, ArS evaluation may help to improve cardiovascular risk stratification in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Evangelatos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantonis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Munguía-Realpozo P, Mendoza-Pinto C, Etchegaray-Morales I, Solis-Poblano JC, Godinez-Bolaños K, García-Carrasco M, Escárcega RO, Méndez-Martínez S, Jara-Quezada LJ. Non-invasive imaging in antiphospholipid syndrome to assess subclinical coronary artery disease. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103505. [PMID: 38135174 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (usually named antiphospholipid syndrome, APS) is an autoimmune disorder seen mainly in young people. Clinically, APS is described by pregnancy complications and/or a hypercoagulable state, including the venous or arterial vasculature, and strongly related to antiphospholipid antibodies. Although several cardiac manifestations have been involved with APS, and accelerated atherosclerosis is present in this condition, little is known about cardiovascular (CV) risk and the relation between APS. Several studies have used imaging markers to associate them with the main clinical features of patients with APS and the probability of having subclinical atherosclerosis. However, it has not yet been established which markers are most related to the risk of developing CV diseases (CVD) in these patients. In this narrative review, we focus on non-invasive imaging markers that can predict CVD, including carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques assessed by carotid ultrasonography or coronary artery calcium score, which usually by computed tomography. We also examine the evidence about vascular function markers used in APS, such as arterial flow-mediated brachial dilation and artery stiffness measured by the velocity of the pulse wave. We present the current status of non-invasive imaging markers, which suggest the existence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with APS. However, new prospective research is required to identify the predictive value of these findings and their modification by current treatments for APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Munguía-Realpozo
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Hospital de Especialidades UMAE- CIBIOR, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla, Mexico; Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico.
| | - Claudia Mendoza-Pinto
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Hospital de Especialidades UMAE- CIBIOR, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla, Mexico; Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico.
| | - Ivet Etchegaray-Morales
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Solis-Poblano
- Department of Hematology, Hospital de Especialidades UMAE, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Karla Godinez-Bolaños
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico
| | - Mario García-Carrasco
- Department of Rheumatology, Medicine School, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ricardo O Escárcega
- Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Heart and Vascular Institute, Lee Health, United States of America
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Balbi GGM, Ahmadzadeh Y, Tektonidou MG, Pengo V, Sciascia S, Ugarte A, Belmont HM, Lopez-Pedrera C, Fortin PR, Wahl D, Gerosa M, de Jesús GR, Ji L, Atsumi T, Efthymiou M, Branch DW, Nalli C, Rodriguez Almaraz E, Petri M, Cervera R, Knight JS, Artim-Esen B, Willis R, Bertolaccini ML, Cohen H, Roubey R, Erkan D, de Andrade DCO. Damage measured by Damage Index for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (DIAPS) in antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients included in the APS ACTION registry. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:772-779. [PMID: 37307082 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our primary objective was to quantify damage burden measured by Damage Index for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (DIAPS) in aPL-positive patients with or without a history of thrombosis in an international cohort (the APS ACTION cohort). Secondly, we aimed to identify clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with damage in aPL-positive patients. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we analysed the baseline damage in aPL-positive patients with or without APS classification. We excluded patients with other autoimmune diseases. We analysed the demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics based on two subgroups: (i) thrombotic APS patients with high vs low damage; and (ii) non-thrombotic aPL-positive patients with vs without damage. RESULTS Of the 826 aPL-positive patients included in the registry as of April 2020, 586 with no other systemic autoimmune diseases were included in the analysis (412 thrombotic and 174 non-thrombotic). In the thrombotic group, hyperlipidaemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.82; 95% CI 1.05, 3.15; adjusted P = 0.032), obesity (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.23, 3.71; adjusted P = 0.007), aβ2GPI high titres (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.36, 4.02; adjusted P = 0.002) and corticosteroid use (ever) (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.80, 7.75; adjusted P < 0.001) were independently associated with high damage at baseline. In the non-thrombotic group, hypertension (OR 4.55; 95% CI 1.82, 11.35; adjusted P = 0.001) and hyperlipidaemia (OR 4.32; 95% CI 1.37, 13.65; adjusted P = 0.013) were independent predictors of damage at baseline; conversely, single aPL positivity was inversely correlated with damage (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.075, 0.77; adjusted P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS DIAPS indicates substantial damage in aPL-positive patients in the APS ACTION cohort. Selected traditional cardiovascular risk factors, steroids use and specific aPL profiles may help to identify patients more prone to present with a higher damage burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo G M Balbi
- Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yasaman Ahmadzadeh
- Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Savino Sciascia
- Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Amaia Ugarte
- Hospital Universitario Cruces, País Vasco, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Chary Lopez-Pedrera
- Rheumatology Service, IMIBIC/Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Paul R Fortin
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Denis Wahl
- Université de Lorraine, INSERM, DCAC, Nancy, France
- Vascular Medicine Division and Regional Competence Center for Rare Vascular and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, CHRU-Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lanlan Ji
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Maria Efthymiou
- Haemostasis Research Unit, Department of Haematology, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Ware Branch
- University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Cecilia Nalli
- Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Michelle Petri
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jason S Knight
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Rohan Willis
- Antiphospholipid Standardization Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Laura Bertolaccini
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, London, UK
| | - Hannah Cohen
- Haemostasis Research Unit, Department of Haematology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Doruk Erkan
- Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Disease, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Ruiz-Irastorza G, Tektonidou MG, Khamashta M. Anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant therapy in thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome: old drugs and new treatment targets. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:SI96-SI106. [PMID: 38320592 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the current evidence on classic and newer oral anticoagulant therapy, older drugs such as HCQ and statins, and new potential treatment targets in APS. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) remain the cornerstone treatment for thrombotic events in APS. In patients fulfilling criteria for definite APS presenting with a first venous thrombosis, treatment with VKAs with a target international normalized ratio (INR) 2.0-3.0 is recommended. In patients with arterial thrombosis, treatment with VKA with target INR 2.0-3.0 or 3.0-4.0 is recommended by recent guidelines, considering the individual's bleeding and thrombosis recurrence risk. A combination of VKAs and low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg/daily) may also be considered. According to available evidence direct oral anticoagulants should be avoided in patients with arterial thrombosis and/or those with triple aPL positivity. Adjunctive treatment with HCQ and/or statins can be considered, especially in anticoagulation treatment-refractory APS. Potential targeted treatments in APS include B-cell targeting, complement inhibition, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition, IFN targeting, adenosine receptors agonists, CD38 targeting or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. The safety and efficacy of these treatment targets needs to be examined in well-designed randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, The Basque Country, Bizkaia, Spain
- University of The Basque Country, The Basque Country, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Munther Khamashta
- Department of Women & Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
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Wahl D, Pengo V. Viewpoint: Provoked thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:SI37-SI45. [PMID: 38320585 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Unprovoked thrombosis (thrombosis occurring without an established environmental factor favouring the episode) is a classic feature of APS. In the general population, provoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) is clearly defined and has clinical and therapeutic differences compared with unprovoked VTE. Whether provoked VTE in the context of APS may lead to a limited treatment duration is not well established. Therefore, careful clinical and laboratory evaluation is needed to identify patients eligible for a limited duration of anticoagulation treatment after provoked VTE. Given the uncertainties of available data, the risks and benefits of treatment decisions should be clearly explained. Decisions should be shared by both the patient and physician. Cardiovascular risk factors are common in patients with APS with arterial thrombosis. There are insufficient data suggesting that cardiovascular risk factor control would allow the cessation of anticoagulation. In most instances, arterial thrombosis will require prolonged anticoagulants. A careful analysis of clinical characteristics and laboratory evaluation, particularly the aPL antibody profile, is needed to make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Wahl
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Vascular Medicine and Rare Vascular Diseases Division, and National Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Inserm, UMR 1116 DCAC, Nancy, France
| | - Vittorio Pengo
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Thrombosis Research Laboratory, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Arianna Foundation on Anticoagulation, Bologna, Italy
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6
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Gaspar P, Sciascia S, Tektonidou MG. Epidemiology of antiphospholipid syndrome: macro- and microvascular manifestations. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:SI24-SI36. [PMID: 38320589 PMCID: PMC10846913 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by thrombotic and non-thrombotic macro- and microvascular manifestations and pregnancy complications in the setting of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), namely anticardiolipin antibodies, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. Four decades after its first description, APS prevalence and incidence are still not completely understood due to the limited number of well-designed, population-based multi-ethnic studies. Furthermore, despite decades of efforts to standardise aPL immunoassays, considerable intraassay and interlaboratory variances in aPL measures still exist. Large multicentre APS cohorts have shown a 10-year survival of ∼91% and the presence of catastrophic APS occurs in about 1% of the entire population, associated with a 50% mortality rate. Clinically, any organ can be affected in the context of large, medium or small vessel (artery and/or vein) thrombosis. Macrovascular thrombosis is the hallmark of the disease and veins are more frequently affected than arteries. Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism thromboembolic disease is the most common APS manifestation, while stroke and transient ischaemic attack are the most frequent arterial thrombosis events. Myocardial infarction can also occur and contributes to increased mortality in APS. A minority of patients present with thrombosis affecting the intraabdominal organs, including the liver, spleen, small and large bowel, and the kidneys. Microvascular thrombosis, including APS nephropathy, chronic skin ulcers and livedoid vasculopathy represent a diagnostic challenge requiring histologic confirmation. In this narrative review we summarize the available evidence on APS epidemiology, focusing on the description of the prevalence of macro- and microvascular manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Gaspar
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Savino Sciascia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-ReConnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), ASL Città Di Torino and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, EULAR Centre of Excellence, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Harper AE, Chen YT, Tancer S, Rodgers KR, Crumb AD, Townsend WA, Knight JS, Murphy SL. Non-pharmacological rehabilitation interventions for individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome: A scoping review. Lupus 2024; 33:101-110. [PMID: 38113856 PMCID: PMC11003253 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231223336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore what non-pharmacological interventions have been examined for individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search of the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1983-Feb. 2023. Our scoping review included studies that examined non-pharmacological interventions for individuals with APS using patient-reported outcome measures. We excluded studies that reported physiological outcomes only. RESULTS The review yielded one case study on the safety and efficacy of an exercise program for a 15-year-old male with secondary APS using physiological and patient-reported outcome measures. Despite the lack of evidence of non-pharmacological interventions for individuals with APS, one excluded study reported that individuals with APS want guidance about physical activity and exercise. We also found several types of potentially relevant non-pharmacological interventions for individuals with lupus, a disease that often co-occurs with APS. CONCLUSIONS Non-pharmacological interventions may offer a solution for addressing some non-thrombotic or non-obstetric APS symptoms, such as neurological, physical, and cognitive symptoms that are not well-controlled by anticoagulation. Due to the unique risks associated with APS, research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions, particularly those involving exercise. Adopting a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing patients with APS and involving rehabilitation professionals, who are experts in the design and delivery of non-pharmacological interventions, may provide a foundation for developing and testing novel interventions that improve health outcomes while also fulfilling unmet needs reported by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Harper
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Antiphospholipid Syndrome Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yen T Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephanie Tancer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyla R Rodgers
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amber D Crumb
- University of Michigan Antiphospholipid Syndrome Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Whitney A Townsend
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jason S Knight
- University of Michigan Antiphospholipid Syndrome Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Susan L Murphy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Antiphospholipid Syndrome Program, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Karakasis P, Patoulias D, Stachteas P, Lefkou E, Dimitroulas T, Fragakis N. Accelerated Atherosclerosis and Management of Cardiovascular Risk in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: An Updated Review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101999. [PMID: 37506959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Even though diagnosis and management pathways have been substantially improved over the last years, autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic vasculitides have been linked to elevated rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, primarily secondary to accelerated atherosclerosis. This phenomenon can be partially attributed to the presence of established cardiovascular risk factors but may also be a result of other inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms that are enhanced in AIRDs. According to the current guidelines, the recommendations regarding cardiovascular disease prevention in patients with AIRDs are not significantly different from those applied to the general population. Herein, we present a review of the current literature on the risk of accelerated atherosclerosis in AIRDs and provide a summary of available recommendations for the management of cardiovascular risk in rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Karakasis
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios Patoulias
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Outpatient Department of Cardiometabolic Medicine, Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Second Department of Internal Medicine, European Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Stachteas
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Lefkou
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Perigenesis, Institute of Obstetric Haematology, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Fragakis
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece
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Drosos GC, Konstantonis G, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: a cross-sectional performance analysis of nine clinical risk prediction tools. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003601. [PMID: 38016710 PMCID: PMC10685980 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the performance of cardiovascular risk (CVR) prediction models reported by European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology and European Society of Cardiology recommendations to identify high-atherosclerotic CVR (ASCVR) patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS Six models predicting the risk of a first cardiovascular disease event (first-CVD) (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE); modified-SCORE; Framingham risk score; Pooled Cohorts Risk Equation; Prospective Cardiovascular Münster calculator; Globorisk), three risk prediction models for patients with a history of prior arterial events (recurrent-CVD) (adjusted Global APS Score (aGAPSS); aGAPSSCVD; Secondary Manifestations of Arterial Disease (SMART)) and carotid/femoral artery vascular ultrasound (VUS) were used to assess ASCVR in 121 APS patients (mean age: 45.8±11.8 years; women: 68.6%). We cross-sectionally examined the calibration, discrimination and classification accuracy of all prediction models to identify high ASCVR due to VUS-detected atherosclerotic plaques, and risk reclassification of patients classified as non high-risk according to first-CVD/recurrent-CVD tools to actual high risk based on VUS. RESULTS Spiegelhalter's z-test p values 0.47-0.57, area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUROC) 0.56-0.75 and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) 0.01-0.35 indicated moderate calibration, poor-to-acceptable discrimination and negligible-to-moderate classification accuracy, respectively, for all risk models. Among recurrent-CVD tools, SMART and aGAPSSCVD (for non-triple antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients) performed better (z/AUROC/MCC: 0.47/0.64/0.29 and 0.52/0.69/0.29, respectively) than aGAPSS. VUS reclassified 34.2%-47.9% and 40.5%-52.6% of patients classified as non-high-ASCVR by first-CVD and recurrent-CVD prediction models, respectively. In patients aged 40-54 years, >40% VUS-guided reclassification was observed for first-CVD risk tools and >50% for recurrent-CVD prediction models. CONCLUSION Clinical CVR prediction tools underestimate actual high ASCVR in APS. VUS may help to improve CVR assessment and optimal risk factor management.
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Affiliation(s)
- George C Drosos
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantonis
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Andrade D, Tektonidou MG. Assessing disease activity and damage in antiphospholipid syndrome. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109727. [PMID: 37558149 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been characterized by a variety of vascular and pregnancy manifestations related to an interplay between thrombotic and inflammatory mechanisms, a progressive accrual of irreversible organ damage and increased morbidity and mortality rates, supporting a high need of optimal treatment approach. The lack of standardized outcome measures is a significant barrier in the design of clinical studies in APS. Disease activity (in principle reversible) and its distinction from disease damage (in principle irreversible) needs to be evaluated by validated scores for use in clinical trials but also in daily clinical practice in APS. A disease damage score in APS, the DIAPS score, has been developed and validated in external cohorts. The development of a disease activity score that will provide an accurate and reproducible rating of each disease domain, can help clinicians and researchers to comprehensively assess the activity of disease and the response to treatment, in an attempt to prevent future damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danieli Andrade
- Rheumatology Department, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Mehta PK, Levit RD, Wood MJ, Aggarwal N, O'Donoghue ML, Lim SS, Lindley K, Gaignard S, Quesada O, Vatsa N, Leon A, Volgman AS, Malas W, Pepine CJ. Chronic rheumatologic disorders and cardiovascular disease risk in women. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS : CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:100267. [PMID: 38511090 PMCID: PMC10945906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2023.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health threat to women worldwide. In addition to traditional CVD risk factors, autoimmune conditions are increasingly being recognized as contributors to adverse CVD consequences in women. Chronic systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders can trigger premature and accelerated atherosclerosis, microvascular dysfunction, and thrombosis. The presence of comorbid conditions, duration of the autoimmune condition, disease severity, and treatment of underlying inflammation are all factors that impact CVD risk and progression. Early identification and screening of CVD risk factors in those with underlying autoimmune conditions may attenuate CVD in this population. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease modifying agents and biologics may influence CVD risk factors and overall risk. Multi-disciplinary and team-based care, clinical trials, and collaborative team-science studies focusing on systemic autoimmune conditions will be beneficial to advance care for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja K. Mehta
- Emory Women's Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca D. Levit
- Emory Women's Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Malissa J. Wood
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niti Aggarwal
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michelle L. O'Donoghue
- TIMI Study Group, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S. Sam Lim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kate Lindley
- Cardiovascular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Scott Gaignard
- J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Residency Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Odayme Quesada
- Women's Heart Center, The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nishant Vatsa
- J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Residency Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ana Leon
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Waddah Malas
- Loyola University Internal Medicine Residency Program, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carl J. Pepine
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee
- Emory Women's Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- TIMI Study Group, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
- J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Residency Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Women's Heart Center, The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Section Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Loyola University Internal Medicine Residency Program, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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12
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Karakasis P, Lefkou E, Pamporis K, Nevras V, Bougioukas KI, Haidich AB, Fragakis N. Risk of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Subjects With Antiphospholipid Antibody Positivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101672. [PMID: 36841314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the guidelines for the prevention of atherosclerosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) do not differ substantially from those in the general population. We aimed to assess the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with APS and subjects with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity. Systematic literature search was conducted through Medline and Scopus until January 2023. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to examine the differences in markers of subclinical atherosclerosis between APS patients, subjects positive for aPLs and healthy controls. Patients with APS had significantly higher values of common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) (MD = 0.07 mm; P < 0.0001), internal carotid artery IMT (MD = 0.06 mm; P < 0.01), carotid bifurcation IMT (MD = 0.14 mm; P < 0.01) and were more frequently diagnosed with atherosclerotic plaques compared to controls (OR = 3.73; P < 0.01). Similarly, APS patients showed a decreased flow and nitrate-mediated dilation (MD = -4.52 %; <0.01, MD = -1.25 %; P < 0.05, respectively). Interestingly, comparable were the results for subjects with aPL positivity, who had higher CCA-IMT (MD = 0.06 mm; P < 0.01) and higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques (OR = 2.59; P = 0.08) compared to controls. Sensitivity analysis conducted on primary APS patients revealed that the risk of atherosclerosis is associated with APS per se and is not exclusively driven by other underlying conditions. Patients with APS and subjects with aPLs have an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and require early and disease-specific prevention of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Karakasis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Elmina Lefkou
- Perigenesis, Institute of Obstetric Haematology, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Pamporis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasileios Nevras
- Cardiology Department, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Bougioukas
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna-Bettina Haidich
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Fragakis
- Second Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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13
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Bolla E, Tentolouris N, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Metabolic syndrome in antiphospholipid syndrome versus rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus: Association with arterial thrombosis, cardiovascular risk biomarkers, physical activity, and coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1077166. [PMID: 36700208 PMCID: PMC9868803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1077166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the foremost cause of morbidity and deaths in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), driven by thrombo-inflammation and atherothrombosis mechanisms. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state characterized by increased CVD risk. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MetS in APS patients compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associations with clinical and laboratory patient characteristics and vascular ultrasound (US) markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods We included 414 patients in our study: 138 patients with APS (median age: 44.9 years, females 70%) and matched 1:1 for age and sex RA and DM subjects. Three sets of criteria were used for MetS diagnosis: Joint Interim Statement (JIS), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII). The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of all participants were recorded and carotid and femoral US was performed in patients with APS. Multivariate regression models were applied. Results Prevalence of MetS was 23.9%, 23.2%, 20.3% (based on JIS, IDF, modified NCEP-ATPIII criteria, respectively) in APS versus 17.4%, 17.4%, 13% in RA (p=0.181, p=0.231, p=0.106, respectively), and 44.2%, 44.2%, 40.6% in DM patients. In multivariate analysis, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus- related APS had an approximately 2.5-fold higher risk of MetS versus RA patients. MetS in APS was independently associated with arterial thrombosis (Odds ratio 3.5, p=0.030). Odds ratio for MetS was 1.16 for each one unit increase in C-reactive protein levels according to JIS and IDF criteria, and 1.49 and 1.47 for each one unit increase in uric acid levels using the IDF and modified NCEP-ATPIII models, respectively. APS patients with atherosclerotic carotid plaques had 4 to 6.5-fold increased risk of MetS. Odds for MetS were decreased by 26% with an increase in physical activity by one hour per week. Conclusions MetS is present in approximately one-fourth of APS patients at a comparable prevalence to that observed in patients with RA. MetS in APS is associated with arterial thrombosis, cardiovascular risk biomarkers, physical activity, and subclinical atherosclerosis, supporting its role in cardiovascular risk stratification and management in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleana Bolla
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G. Tektonidou
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece,*Correspondence: Maria G. Tektonidou, ;
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14
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Bournia VK, Fragoulis GE, Mitrou P, Mathioudakis K, Tsolakidis A, Konstantonis G, Tseti I, Vourli G, Tektonidou MG, Paraskevis D, Sfikakis PP. Different COVID-19 outcomes among systemic rheumatic diseases: a nation-wide cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:1047-1056. [PMID: 35920774 PMCID: PMC9384656 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated risk of hospitalization and death in RA, AS, PsA, SLE and SSc in comparison with the general population during the first year of the pandemic, and compare their overall mortality with 2019. METHODS Interlinking nationwide electronic registries, we recorded confirmed COVID-19-associated infections, hospitalizations and deaths, and all-cause deaths between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021 in all adults with RA, AS, PsA, SLE and SSc under treatment (n = 74 970, median age 67.5, 51.2, 58.1, 56.2 and 62.2 years, respectively) and in random comparators from the general population matched (1:5) on age, sex and region of domicile. Deaths from all causes during 2019 were also recorded. RESULTS Compared with the general population, incidence rates (IR) for COVID-19-associated hospitalization were higher in RA [IR ratio (IRR) 1.71(1.50-1.95)], SLE [2.0 (1.4-2.7)] and SSc [2.28 (1.29-3.90)], while COVID-19-associated death rates were higher in RA [1.91 (1.46-2.49)]. When focusing only on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-infected subjects, after adjusting for age and gender, the odds ratio for COVID-19 associated death was higher in RA [1.47 (1.11-1.94)] and SSc [2.92 (1.07-7.99)] compared with the general population. The all-cause mortality rate compared with the general population increased in RA during the first year of the pandemic (IRR 0.71) with reference to 2019 (0.59), and decreased in SSc (IRR 1.94 vs 4.36). CONCLUSION COVID-19 may have a more severe impact in patients with systemic rheumatic disease than in the general population. COVID-19-related mortality is increased in subgroups of patients with specific rheumatic diseases, underscoring the need for priority vaccination and access to targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George E Fragoulis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School
| | | | | | | | - George Konstantonis
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School
| | | | - Georgia Vourli
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Correspondence to: Petros P. Sfikakis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Laikon Hospital, 17 AgiouThoma str., 11 527 Athens, Greece. E-mail:
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15
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Tektonidou MG. Cardiovascular disease risk in antiphospholipid syndrome: Thrombo-inflammation and atherothrombosis. J Autoimmun 2022; 128:102813. [PMID: 35247655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-beta2glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies) and a plethora of macro- and micro-vascular manifestations, affecting predominantly young adults. Cardiovascular events are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in APS. APL-mediated thrombo-inflammation and atherothrombosis are emerging pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in APS, involving endothelial cell and monocyte activation, cytokines and adhesion molecules expression, complement and neutrophils activation, neutrophil extracellular traps formation, platelet cell activation and aggregation, and subsequent thrombin generation, in parallel with an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-β2GPI complex induced macrophage differentiation to foam cells. High risk aPL profile, especially the presence of lupus anticoagulant and triple aPL positivity (all three aPL subtypes), co-existence with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), as well as traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, hyperlipemia and obesity are associated with both subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in APS. Increased awareness of CVD risk by the physicians and patients, regular assessment and strict control of traditional risk factors, and lifestyle modifications are recommended. Use of low-dose aspirin should be considered for cardiovascular prevention in asymptomatic aPL carriers or SLE patients with high-risk aPL profile. The role of older agents such as hydroxychloroquine and statins or new potential targeted treatments against immuno- and athero-thrombosis has been demonstrated by experimental and some clinical studies and needs to be further evaluated by randomized controlled studies. This review summarizes the available evidence about the pathogenetic mechanisms and prevalence of cardiovascular events and subclinical atherosclerosis, the interrelationship between traditional and disease-related CVD risk factors, and the cardiovascular risk assessment and management in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the recent available evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical phenotypes, and management of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and summarize potential future research perspectives. RECENT FINDINGS Accumulating evidence has further expanded our understanding of the disease, including new data about the incidence and prevalence of APS, novel pathways supporting the role of thrombo-inflammation in APS including platelet, monocyte and endothelial cell activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, complement activation, neutrophil extracellular trap release, and type I interferon gene expression that could yield to new potential treatment targets, better identification of criteria and non-criteria clinical phenotypes, antiphospholipid antibody profiles and their associations with clinical outcomes, prognostic tools, and treatment strategies based on recent evidence-based recommendations for patients with thrombotic and obstetric APS, with or without systemic lupus erythematosus. Ongoing research efforts and international collaborations enhance our knowledge of this rare and often devastating syndrome and help improve patient care and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Xourgia
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, Rheumatology UnitJoint Academic Rheumatology Program - EULAR Centre of Excellence'Laiko' Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma str, 11527, FirstAthens, Greece.
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17
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Was Antiphospholipid Syndrome a Risk Factor of Stroke? A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:4431907. [PMID: 34956419 PMCID: PMC8702362 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4431907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis. This systemic review and meta-analysis was to verify the hypothesis that APS might increase the risk of stroke. Studies were identified after literature searching of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale Cohort Studies (NOQAS-C) was used to assess the quality of studies. The pooled effect with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated by random-effect model. I-square (I2) was used to test heterogeneity. Funnel plot was used to evaluate publication bias. A total of 17 cohort studies with overall high quality were included. There was no publication bias. Pooled hazard ratio of stroke occurrence in APS patients was 1.76 (1.39-2.21) with low heterogenicity and stable result from sensitivity analysis. In the analysis of subgroups, pooled risk ratios of stroke occurrence in patients with only positive antibodies of APS diagnosis were 1.75 (0.99-3.09), which for the APS patients with other autoimmune diseases were 14.70 (7.56-28.56). APS might be a risk factor of stroke, especially in patients with other autoimmune diseases.
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18
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Bolla E, Tentolouris N, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Cardiovascular risk management in antiphospholipid syndrome: trends over time and comparison with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:8/1/e000579. [PMID: 34921093 PMCID: PMC8685967 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterised by increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, related to thrombo-inflammatory and atherogenic mechanisms. We examined the achievement of traditional cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) therapeutic goals in APS versus other high cardiovascular risk disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes mellitus (DM), and trends over time. Methods 122 patients with APS (74 primary APS, female 68%, mean age 44.5±11.3) were classified according to their first visit (2011–2015 and 2016–2020 APS subgroups, 61 patients in each subgroup) and matched 1:1 for age/sex with patients with RA and DM. Cardiovascular risk was estimated by the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation, and the CVRF therapeutic targets were defined according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. Individual and multiple CVRF control was compared between APS subgroups, and in APS versus RA and DM. Results We found a comparable or higher prevalence of CVRFs between APS and age-matched/sex-matched patients with RA and DM but low CVRF target attainment in APS according to the ESC guidelines. Despite improving trends between 2011–2015 and 2016–2020, CVRF control in high/very high-risk patients with APS was 12%, 18%, 24% and 35% for low-density lipoprotein, waist circumference, exercise and body mass index, respectively, and 59%–65% for triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and blood pressure, in 2016–2020 subgroup. CVRF control was worse in APS versus RA for smoking (p=0.014), HDL (p<0.001), waist circumference (p=0.042) and five CVRFs (p=0.030), and versus DM for exercise (p=0.077). Similar results were found in the sensitivity analysis. Conclusions Comparable prevalence of modifiable CVRFs to RA and DM but suboptimal CVRF target achievement was observed in APS, especially in high/very high-risk patients, highlighting the need for CVRF management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleana Bolla
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolas Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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19
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Evangelatos G, Kravvariti E, Konstantonis G, Tentolouris N, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Atherosclerosis progression in antiphospholipid syndrome is comparable to diabetes mellitus: a 3-year prospective study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:3408-3413. [PMID: 34850863 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilia leading to life-threatening cardiovascular events. Cross-sectional data support that APS is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, but this has not been confirmed in prospective studies. We aimed to compare the rate of atherosclerosis progression over a 3-year period between patients with APS, diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy controls (HC). METHODS Eighty-six patients with APS (43 with primary [PAPS], 43 with systemic lupus erythematosus-related APS [SLE/APS]) and an equal number of age- and sex-matched patients with DM and HC, who underwent a baseline ultrasound of the carotid and femoral arteries, were invited for a 3-year follow-up evaluation for atherosclerotic plaque progression. Multivariate analysis was performed for the assessment of determinants of plaque progression after adjustment for disease-related and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS Seventy-four APS patients (74.3% female, 38 with PAPS), 58 DM patients and 73 HC were included. APS patients exhibited a 3.3-fold higher risk of new atherosclerotic plaque formation compared with HC (p= 0.031), similar to that in DM (odds ratio [OR]=3.45, p= 0.028). In APS patients, plaque development risk was higher in SLE/APS vs PAPS (OR = 7.75, p= 0.038) and was independently associated with the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, as expressed by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk (OR = 2.31, p= 0.008). CONCLUSION APS is characterized by accelerated rates of subclinical atherosclerosis to a degree comparable to DM, which is more pronounced in SLE/APS patients. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are major determinants of this risk, warranting aggressive management as in other high cardiovascular-risk disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Evangelatos
- Rheumatology unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Rheumatology Academic Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evrydiki Kravvariti
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantonis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Rheumatology unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Rheumatology Academic Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Rheumatology unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Rheumatology Academic Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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20
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Dey M, Busby A, Elwell H, Pratt A, Young A, Isaacs J, Nikiphorou E. The use and context of the term 'multimorbidity' in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:3058-3071. [PMID: 33682885 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic literature review aimed to analyse terms describing coexisting conditions in the RA literature, informing the need for an operationalized definition of multimorbidity. Articles discussing RA with multimorbidity, published 1946 until August 2020, were identified. The primary outcome was the use and/or definition of 'multimorbidity' in RA. Information extracted included terms defining coexisting conditions, the use of a comorbidity/multimorbidity score and the use of 'index disease' to describe RA (more applicable to comorbidity than multimorbidity). Thirty-nine articles were included. Eight articles used the term 'multimorbidity', 18 used 'comorbidity' and 12 used both terms, 7 synonymously. One used no term. Fourteen articles fully defined the term. The number of co-existing conditions described in included studies was one-121. Twelve articles used a comorbidity/multimorbidity score. Four articles described RA as the 'index disease'. Our results demonstrate inconsistent use of the term multimorbidity. Improved assessment of multimorbidity is indicated in RA patients, including an operationalized use and definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinalini Dey
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool
- Department of Rheumatology, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool
| | - Amanda Busby
- Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research, Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
| | - Helen Elwell
- British Medical Association Library, BMA House, Tavistock Square, London
| | - Arthur Pratt
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne
| | - Adam Young
- Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research, Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
| | - John Isaacs
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne
| | - Elena Nikiphorou
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
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