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Luciano N, Barone E, Timilsina S, Gershwin ME, Selmi C. Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 65:403-419. [PMID: 38157095 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08975-z] [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] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an increased risk of cardiovascular events, due to the complex interplay between traditional and disease-related risk factors. Chronic inflammation and persistent disease activity are the key determinants of this risk, but despite great improvement in the disease management and prognosis, cardiovascular events are still the main cause of morbidity and mortality in RA cohorts1. In the last decades, the advent of new biological and targeted-synthetic DMARDs was accompanied by an improvement in disease activity control, but the role of each class of drugs on CVD risk is still a matter a debate. Since their approval for RA treatment, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors have been widely investigated to better understand their effects on cardiovascular outcomes. The hypothesis that the reduction of chronic inflammation with any treatment may reduce the cardiovascular risk has been recently confuted by the direct comparison of TNFα-inhibitors and JAK inhibitors in patients with RA and coexisting risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this literature review is to add to the available evidence to analyze the relationship between TNFα-inhibitors and CVD risk in patients with RA and also provide some clinical scenarios to better explain the treatment dilemmas. In particular, while data on major cardiovascular events and thromboembolism seem consistent with an inflammation-mediated benefit with TNFα-inhibitors, there remain concerns about the use of this class of bDMARDs in patients with chronic heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Luciano
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Barone
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Suraj Timilsina
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Aiewruengsurat D, Phongnarudech T, Liabsuetrakul T, Nilmoje T. Correlation of rheumatoid and cardiac biomarkers with cardiac anatomy and function in rheumatoid arthritis patients without clinically overt cardiovascular diseases: A cross-sectional study. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2022; 44:101161. [PMID: 36510582 PMCID: PMC9735267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2022.101161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Cardiac biomarkers have been shown to be related to cardiac abnormalities; nonetheless, few studies have confirmed the association between cardiac and rheumatoid biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This study assessed the correlation of rheumatoid and cardiac biomarker levels with cardiac anatomy and function and explored the interaction between cardiac and rheumatoid biomarkers in RA patients without clinically overt cardiovascular diseases. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among RA patients aged 18-65 years without other connective tissue diseases, overlap syndrome, heart disease, or renal failure were included. Main cardiac and rheumatoid biomarkers, including high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTropT), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA), were collected. Echocardiography was performed to examine cardiac anatomy and function. Results The mean left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was 80.8 g/sqm, and the relative wall thickness was 0.4. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 70.3%. The hsTropT levels showed a weak positive correlation with LVMI and E/e' ratio and a very weak correlation with E/A ratio. Interaction effect between hsTropT and ACPA on LVMI was found in univariate analysis, not in multivariate analysis. Higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) increased the LVMI. Only age was related to the E/e' increase. Conclusion The effect of hsTropT on LVMI was probably modified by ACPA in RA patients without clinically overt cardiovascular diseases. Age, SBP, and NSAID use among RA patients should be taken into account due to their relations to cardiac abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duangkamol Aiewruengsurat
- Allergy and Rheumatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Thanyakamol Phongnarudech
- Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Tippawan Liabsuetrakul
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Thanapon Nilmoje
- Cardiology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand,Corresponding author.
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Giachi A, Cugno M, Gualtierotti R. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs improve the cardiovascular profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1012661. [PMID: 36352850 PMCID: PMC9637771 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1012661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting about 0. 5–1% of the adult population and manifesting as persistent synovitis, systemic inflammation and production of autoantibodies. Patients affected by RA not only experience chronic disease progression, but are also burdened by a 1.5-fold increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, which is comparable to the risk experienced by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RA patients also have a higher incidence and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Although RA patients frequently present traditional CV risk factors such as insulin resistance and active smoking, previous studies have clarified the pivotal role of chronic inflammation–driven by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)–in accelerating the process of atherosclerosis and impairing the coagulation system. Over the last years, a number of studies have shown that disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reducing the inflammatory state in general improve the CV risk, however some drugs may carry some apparent negative effects. Thus, RA is a model of disease in which targeting inflammation may counteract the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce CV risk. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that the management of RA patients should be tailored based on the positive and negative effects of DMARDs on CV risk together with the individual traditional CV risk profile. The identification of genetic, biochemical and clinical biomarkers, predictive of evolution and response to treatment, will be the next challenge for a precision approach to reduce the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giachi
- UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Cugno
- UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Cugno
| | - Roberta Gualtierotti
- UOC Medicina Generale Emostasi e Trombosi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Midtbø H, Kringeland E, Gerdts E, Ueland PM, Meyer K, Linde A, Ulvik A, Jonsson R, Tveit KS. Biomarkers of inflammation and left ventricular remodelling in psoriasis patients treated with infliximab. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:3946320221111131. [PMID: 35968808 PMCID: PMC9379959 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221111131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Psoriasis is an immune mediated disorder associated with T cell activation and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We explored the association of inflammation with left ventricular (LV) remodelling in psoriasis patients receiving treatment with the tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) blocker infliximab. Methods: Psoriasis patients (n = 47, age 47 ± 14 years, 66% men) and 99 control subjects without psoriasis (age 47 ± 11 years, 72% men) were examined by echocardiography in a cross-sectional study. LV remodelling was assessed by LV mass index for height in the allometric power of 2.7. Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), neopterin, kynurenine:tryptophan ratio (KTR) and the pyridoxic acid ratio (PAr) index were measured. Results: Serum concentration of neopterin (p = .007) was higher in psoriasis patients, while the other inflammatory biomarkers had similar levels. LV mass index was lower in patients than controls (35.6 ± 9.6 g/m2.7 vs. 40.3 ± 9.8 g/m2.7, p = .008). In the total study population, serum SAA (β = 0.18, p = .02), KTR (β = 0.20, p = .02) and the PAr index (β = 0.26, p = .002) were all associated with higher LV mass index independent of age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, smoking, renal function and psoriasis. Also in psoriasis patients, higher SAA level (β = 0.34, p = .02), KTR (β = 0.32, p = .02) and the PAr index (β = 0.29, p = .05) were associated with higher LV mass index independent of body mass index, hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion: Higher levels of the inflammatory biomarkers SAA, KTR and the PAr index were associated with greater LV mass index in psoriasis patients, indicating a role of chronic inflammation in LV remodelling evident even during treatment with TNF-α blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Midtbø
- Department of Heart Disease, 60498Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for Research on Cardiac Disease in Women, Department of Clinical Science, 1658University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ester Kringeland
- Centre for Research on Cardiac Disease in Women, Department of Clinical Science, 1658University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Gerdts
- Department of Heart Disease, 60498Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for Research on Cardiac Disease in Women, Department of Clinical Science, 1658University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Magne Ueland
- Department of Clinical Science, 1658University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Anja Linde
- Centre for Research on Cardiac Disease in Women, Department of Clinical Science, 1658University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Research Centre for Women's Health, 155272Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Roland Jonsson
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, 1658University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kåre Steinar Tveit
- Department of Dermatology, 60498Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Subclinical Cardiac Organ Damage in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112440. [PMID: 34072722 PMCID: PMC8198003 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We explored the association between subclinical cardiac organ damage (OD) with comorbidities and psoriasis severity in 53 psoriasis patients on infliximab treatment (age 47 ± 15 years, 30% women) and 99 controls without psoriasis (age 47 ± 11 years, 28% women). Cardiac OD was assessed by echocardiography as the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) relative wall thickness (RWT), LV hypertrophy or dilated left atrium. Psoriasis severity was graded using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The prevalence of hypertension was 66% in psoriasis vs. 61% in controls (p = 0.54) and cardiac OD seen in 51 and 73%, respectively (p = 0.007). Psoriasis was associated with a lower prevalence of cardiac OD (odds ratio (OR) 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.77, p = 0.01) independent of age, sex, smoking, body mass index, and hypertension. Among psoriasis patients, hypertension was associated with increased risk of subclinical cardiac OD (OR 6.88, 95% CI 1.32–35.98, p = 0.02) independent of age, sex, and body mass index. PASI at treatment initiation was associated with a higher RWT at follow-up, independent of sex, age, and hypertension (β 0.36, p = 0.006) while no association with current PASI was found. In conclusion, cardiac OD was less prevalent in psoriasis patients on infliximab treatment than controls. Hypertension was the major covariable for subclinical cardiac OD in psoriasis.
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Os HA, Rollefstad S, Gerdts E, Kringeland E, Ikdahl E, Semb AG, Midtbø H. Preclinical cardiac organ damage during statin treatment in patients with inflammatory joint diseases: the RORA-AS statin intervention study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:3700-3708. [PMID: 32386421 PMCID: PMC7946801 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Statin treatment has been associated with reduction in blood pressure and arterial stiffness in patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD). We tested whether statin treatment also was associated with regression of preclinical cardiac organ damage in IJD patients. METHODS Echocardiography was performed in 84 IJD patients (52 RA, 20 ankylosing spondylitis, 12 psoriatric arthritis, mean age 61 (9) years, 63% women) without known cardiovascular disease before and after 18 months of rosuvastatin treatment. Preclinical cardiac organ damage was identified by echocardiography as presence of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, LV concentric geometry, increased LV chamber size and/or dilated left atrium. RESULTS At baseline, hypertension was present in 63%, and 36% used biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Preclinical cardiac organ damage was not influenced by rosuvastatin treatment (44% at baseline vs 50% at follow-up, P = 0.42). In uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses, risk of preclinical cardiac organ damage at follow-up was increased by higher baseline body mass index [odds ratio (OR) 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.5, P = 0.01] and presence of preclinical cardiac organ damage at baseline (OR 6.4, 95% CI: 2.2, 18.5, P = 0.001) and reduced by use of bDMARDs at follow-up (OR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION Rosuvastatin treatment was not associated with a reduction in preclinical cardiac organ damage in IJD patients after 18 months of treatment. However, use of bDMARDS at follow-up was associated with lower risk of preclinical cardiac organ damage at study end, pointing to a possible protective cardiac effect of bDMARDs in IJD patients. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01389388.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna A Os
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen
| | - Silvia Rollefstad
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo
| | - Eva Gerdts
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen
| | | | - Eirik Ikdahl
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo
| | - Anne Grete Semb
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo
| | - Helga Midtbø
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Norouzi S, Javinani A, Aminorroaya A, Masoumi M. Anti-modified citrullinated vimentin antibody: a novel biomarker associated with cardiac systolic dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2020; 20:390. [PMID: 32847506 PMCID: PMC7448352 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-020-01676-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have demonstrated that seropositive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are susceptible to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In this study, we aimed to determine the association of autoantibodies with the echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in such patients. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated patients with RA who were referred to our clinic from October 2017 to August 2018. After the exclusion of patients with concomitant CVD, all patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and measurement of plasma autoantibodies. Moreover, possible confounders—including medications, CVD risk factors, Framingham risk score, disease activity score-28, duration of disease, simple disease activity index, and functional status—were assessed. Results We studied 135 patients with RA (mean age = 52.3 years; 111 (82.2%) females). We had missing data rates of up to 8.9% for some characteristics. E velocity was inversely correlated with rheumatoid factor (P = 0.009). Furthermore, the plasma levels of anti-citrullinated protein and anti-modified citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) antibodies were negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P = 0.019 and P<0.001, respectively). After an adjustment for possible confounders, the linear regression model demonstrated that the anti-MCV level and the patient’s age are significant predictors of LVEF. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that anti-MCV antibody titer≥547.5 (IU/mL) signifies reduced LVEF (<50%) with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 93% (C-statistic = 0.843). Conclusions Our findings showed a significant inverse correlation between anti-MCV antibody titer and LVEF. These results indicate that the application of anti-MCV is promising for the screening and early detection of cardiac systolic dysfunction. Future prospective studies will determine its role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayye Norouzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Ali Javinani
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arya Aminorroaya
- Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Masoumi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Azadegan Sq., Shahid Beheshti Blvd, Qom, Iran.
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Halland H, Lønnebakken MT, Pristaj N, Saeed S, Midtbø H, Einarsen E, Gerdts E. Sex differences in subclinical cardiac disease in overweight and obesity (the FATCOR study). Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2018; 28:1054-1060. [PMID: 30177273 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Subclinical cardiac disease, like abnormal left ventricular (LV) geometry or left atrial (LA) dilatation, is common in obesity. Less is known about sex differences in the prevalence and type of subclinical cardiac disease in obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS Clinical and echocardiographic data from 581 women and men without established cardiovascular disease and body mass index (BMI) > 27.0 kg/m2 participating in the FAT associated CardiOvasculaR dysfunction (FATCOR) study was analyzed. LA dilatation was recognized as LA volume indexed for height2 ≥16.5 ml/m2 in women and ≥18.5 ml/m2 in men, and abnormal LV geometry as LV hypertrophy and/or increased relative wall thickness. On average, the participants were 48 years old, 60% women and mean BMI was 32.1 kg/m2. Overall, the prevalence of subclinical cardiac disease was higher in women than men (77% vs. 62%, p < 0.001). Women had a higher prevalence of LA dilatation than men (74% vs. 56%, p < 0.001), while men had a higher prevalence of abnormal LV geometry (30% vs. 21%, p = 0.011). After adjusting for confounders in multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of subclinical cardiac disease, in particular LA dilatation (confidence interval [CI] 1.67-3.49, p < 0.001), while male sex was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of abnormal LV geometry (CI 1.30-3.01, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The majority of overweight and obese participants in the FATCOR study had subclinical cardiac disease, which may contribute to the impaired prognosis observed in obesity. Women had a higher prevalence of subclinical cardiac disease than men. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.govNCT02805478.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Halland
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Women's Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - M T Lønnebakken
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - N Pristaj
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - S Saeed
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - H Midtbø
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - E Einarsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - E Gerdts
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Cioffi G, Ognibeni F, Dalbeni A, Giollo A, Orsolini G, Gatti D, Rossini M, Viapiana O. High prevalence of occult heart disease in normotensive patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Cardiol 2018; 41:736-743. [PMID: 29869800 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to chronic inflammatory status, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are exposed to changes in left ventricular (LV) geometry and function. We assessed prevalence, factors associated with, and prognostic role of concentric LV geometry and systolic dysfunction (LVSD) detected by echocardiography in a large cohort of patients with RA and normal blood pressure. HYPOTHESIS Changes in LV geometry and function are widely detectable in normotensive patients with RA analyzed in primary prevention. METHODS We prospectively analyzed 194 normotensive RA patients without overt cardiac disease recruited between March 2014 and May 2016, compared with 194 non-RA matched controls. Relative wall thickness >0.43 defined concentric LV geometry. LVSD was defined as impaired global longitudinal strain (GLS). The prespecified study endpoints were all-cause hospitalization and hospitalization for cardiovascular cause. RESULTS The 194 normotensive subjects (mean age, 54 years; 63% female; RA duration 13 years) had a prevalence of LV concentric geometry 5-fold higher and LVSD 5-fold higher than non-RA matched controls. Body mass index, LVSD, and diastolic dysfunction were associated with concentric LV geometry, while worsening renal function and older age were associated with LVSD. LVSD was independently related to the study endpoints (HR 2.37 [1.24-4.53], p = 0.009, for all-causes hospitalization and HR 6.60 [1.47-29.72], p = 0.01 for cardiovascular hospitalization). CONCLUSIONS Despite normotensive status, a consistent proportion of RA patients analyzed in primary prevention have cardiac abnormalities detectable by echocardiography. LVSD is a strong prognosticator of adverse outcome at midterm period in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cioffi
- Department of Cardiology, Villa Bianca Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Federica Ognibeni
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Dalbeni
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giollo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Orsolini
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Gatti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Rossini
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ombretta Viapiana
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Midtbø H, Gerdts E, Berg IJ, Rollefstad S, Jonsson R, Semb AG. Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Associated with Increased Prevalence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. J Rheumatol 2018; 45:1249-1255. [PMID: 29858235 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.171124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a strong precursor for clinical CVD. The aim of our study was to assess whether having AS was associated with increased prevalence of LV hypertrophy. METHODS Clinical and echocardiographic data from 139 AS patients and 126 age- and sex-matched controls was used. LV mass was calculated according to guidelines and indexed to height2.7. LV hypertrophy was considered present if LV mass index was > 49.2 g/m2.7 in men and > 46.7 g/m2.7 in women. RESULTS Patients with AS were on average 49 ± 12 years old, and 60% were men. The prevalence of hypertension (HTN; 35% vs 41%) and diabetes (5% vs 2%) was similar among patients and controls, while patients with AS had higher serum C-reactive protein level (CRP; p < 0.001). The prevalence of LV hypertrophy was higher in patients with AS compared to controls (15% vs 6%, p = 0.01). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, having AS was associated with OR 6.3 (95% CI 2.1-19.3, p = 0.001) of having LV hypertrophy independent of the presence of HTN, diabetes, and obesity. In multivariable linear regression analyses, having AS was also associated with higher LV mass (β 0.15, p = 0.007) after adjusting for CVD risk factors including sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, and serum CRP (multiple R2 = 0.41, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Having AS was associated with increased prevalence of LV hypertrophy independent of CVD risk factors. This finding strengthens the indication for thorough CVD risk assessment in patients with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Midtbø
- From the Department of Heart Disease and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen; Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,H. Midtbø, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital; E. Gerdts, Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen; I.J. Berg, Consultant Rheumatologist, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; S. Rollefstad, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; R. Jonsson, Professor, DMD, PhD, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; A.G. Semb, Consultant Cardiologist, Senior Researcher, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital.
| | - Eva Gerdts
- From the Department of Heart Disease and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen; Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,H. Midtbø, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital; E. Gerdts, Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen; I.J. Berg, Consultant Rheumatologist, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; S. Rollefstad, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; R. Jonsson, Professor, DMD, PhD, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; A.G. Semb, Consultant Cardiologist, Senior Researcher, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital
| | - Inger Jorid Berg
- From the Department of Heart Disease and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen; Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,H. Midtbø, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital; E. Gerdts, Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen; I.J. Berg, Consultant Rheumatologist, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; S. Rollefstad, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; R. Jonsson, Professor, DMD, PhD, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; A.G. Semb, Consultant Cardiologist, Senior Researcher, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital
| | - Silvia Rollefstad
- From the Department of Heart Disease and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen; Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,H. Midtbø, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital; E. Gerdts, Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen; I.J. Berg, Consultant Rheumatologist, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; S. Rollefstad, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; R. Jonsson, Professor, DMD, PhD, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; A.G. Semb, Consultant Cardiologist, Senior Researcher, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital
| | - Roland Jonsson
- From the Department of Heart Disease and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen; Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,H. Midtbø, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital; E. Gerdts, Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen; I.J. Berg, Consultant Rheumatologist, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; S. Rollefstad, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; R. Jonsson, Professor, DMD, PhD, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; A.G. Semb, Consultant Cardiologist, Senior Researcher, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital
| | - Anne Grete Semb
- From the Department of Heart Disease and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen; Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,H. Midtbø, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital; E. Gerdts, Professor, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen; I.J. Berg, Consultant Rheumatologist, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; S. Rollefstad, Postdoctor, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital; R. Jonsson, Professor, DMD, PhD, Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, and Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital; A.G. Semb, Consultant Cardiologist, Senior Researcher, MD, PhD, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital
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11
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England BR, Thiele GM, Anderson DR, Mikuls TR. Increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: mechanisms and implications. BMJ 2018; 361:k1036. [PMID: 29685876 PMCID: PMC6889899 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.k1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by excess morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Mechanisms linking rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease include shared inflammatory mediators, post-translational modifications of peptides/proteins and subsequent immune responses, alterations in the composition and function of lipoproteins, increased oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Despite a growing understanding of these mechanisms and their complex interplay with conventional cardiovascular risk factors, optimal approaches of risk stratification, prevention, and treatment in the context of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown. A multifaceted approach to reduce the burden posed by cardiovascular disease requires optimal management of traditional risk factors in addition to those intrinsic to rheumatoid arthritis such as increased disease activity. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis seem to exert differential effects on cardiovascular risk as well as the mechanisms linking these conditions. More research is needed to establish whether preferential rheumatoid arthritis therapies exist in terms of prevention of cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, understanding the unique mechanisms for cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis will aid in risk stratification and the identification of novel targets for meaningful reduction of cardiovascular risk in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryant R England
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Thiele
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Daniel R Anderson
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ted R Mikuls
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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12
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is an important extra-articular manifestation of rheumatologic diseases leading to considerable mortality and morbidity. Echocardiography emerges as a useful non-invasive technique for the screening and evaluation of cardiac involvement in these patients. With the technological advancement in echocardiographic techniques, we have gained a greater appreciation of the prevalence and nature of the cardiac involvement in these patients, as detection of subclinical disease is increasingly feasible. This review discusses cardiac involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, systemic sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis, and the role of different echocardiographic modalities in their evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha A Al-Mohaissen
- Department of Clinical Sciences (Cardiology), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kwan-Leung Chan
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Room H3412, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 4W7, Canada.
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13
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Pan L, Wang T. Features of cardiac remodeling in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Complicated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10268. [PMID: 28860666 PMCID: PMC5579266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11123-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are important factors to increased morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of RA on cardiac remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Sixty-one patients with ACS complicated with RA (RA group) and 55 age- and sex-matched patients with ACS without RA (control group) were enrolled. We compared the parameters of laboratory and echocardiogram across the 2 groups. Levels of serum brain natriuretic peptide in patients with RA were significantly higher than control group. Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and LV diastolic dysfunction (E/A < 1) were significantly higher in the RA patients, while the LV ejection fraction (EF%) was significantly lower in RA patients. Incidence of tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary regurgitation were significantly higher in ACS patients with RA than in the ACS patients without RA. In RA group, levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol were negatively correlated with C reactive protein (CRP), EF% was also negatively correlated with CRP. The prevalence of LVH and mitral regurgitation showed positive correlations with ESR. Early intervention for controlling the inflammation associated with RA can play a significant role in preventing cardiac remodeling in ACS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.,Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China. .,Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, 100029, China.
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14
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Kobayashi H, Kobayashi Y, Yokoe I, Akashi Y, Takei M, Giles JT. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Detected Myocardial Inflammation and Fibrosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Associations With Disease Characteristics and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2017; 69:1304-1311. [PMID: 27813364 DOI: 10.1002/acr.23138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myocardial dysfunction and heart failure (HF) are increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet there are few studies of the myocardium in RA. METHODS RA patients with no known heart disease or risk factors underwent gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Images were assessed for left-ventricular (LV) structural and functional parameters and for myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE; an indicator of myocardial fibrosis) and T2-weighted imaging (an indicator of active inflammation). We modeled the associations between RA characteristics and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic protein (NT-proBNP) levels with LGE and T2-weighted imaging. We also assessed whether LGE and/or T2-weighted imaging were associated with abnormal LV structure or dysfunction. RESULTS A total of 60 RA patients were studied. LGE was present in 19 (32%) and T2-weighted imaging in 7 (12%), 5 of whom also had LGE. After adjustment for relevant confounders, higher odds of LGE with each swollen joint (odds ratio [OR] 1.87, P = 0.008), each log unit higher C-reactive protein level (OR 3.36, P = 0.047), and each log unit higher NT-proBNP (OR 20.61, P = 0.009) were found. NT-proBNP was also significantly higher (135%) among those with T2-weighted imaging than in those without T2-weighted imaging or LGE. Higher LV mass index and LV mass:end diastolic volume ratio were observed in those with T2-weighted imaging than in those with no myocardial abnormalities and in those with LGE without T2-weighted imaging; however, ejection fraction was not reduced in those with either LGE or T2-weighted imaging. CONCLUSION These data suggest that cardiac MRI findings indicating myocardial inflammation/fibrosis are correlated with RA disease activity and alterations in myocardial structure known to precede clinical HF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yosikatsu Akashi
- St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan, and Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Takei
- Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jon T Giles
- Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
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15
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Fent GJ, Greenwood JP, Plein S, Buch MH. The role of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: where we are and where we need to be. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 76:1169-1175. [PMID: 27895040 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This review assesses the risk assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and how non-invasive imaging modalities may improve risk stratification in future. RA is common and patients are at greater risk of CVD than the general population. Cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification is recommended in European guidelines for patients at high and very high CV risk in order to commence preventative therapy. Ideally, such an assessment should be carried out immediately after diagnosis and as part of ongoing long-term patient care in order to improve patient outcomes. The risk profile in RA is different from the general population and is not well estimated using conventional clinical CVD risk algorithms, particularly in patients estimated as intermediate CVD risk. Non-invasive imaging techniques may therefore play an important role in improving risk assessment. However, there are currently very limited prognostic data specific to patients with RA to guide clinicians in risk stratification using these imaging techniques. RA is associated with increased risk of CV mortality, mainly attributable to atherosclerotic disease, though in addition, RA is associated with many other disease processes which further contribute to increased CV mortality. There is reasonable evidence for using carotid ultrasound in patients estimated to be at intermediate risk of CV mortality using clinical CVD risk algorithms. Newer imaging techniques such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance and CT offer the potential to improve risk stratification further; however, longitudinal data with hard CVD outcomes are currently lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Fent
- Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre (MCRC) & Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John P Greenwood
- Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre (MCRC) & Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sven Plein
- Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre (MCRC) & Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Maya H Buch
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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16
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Midtbø H, Semb AG, Matre K, Kvien TK, Gerdts E. Disease activity is associated with reduced left ventricular systolic myocardial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 76:371-376. [PMID: 27269296 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disease activity has emerged as a new, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We tested if disease activity in RA was associated with lower left ventricular (LV) systolic function independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS Echocardiographic assessment was performed in 78 patients with RA having low, moderate or high disease activity (Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) >3.3), 41 patients in remission (SDAI ≤3.3) and 46 controls, all without known cardiac disease. LV systolic function was assessed by biplane Simpson ejection fraction, stress-corrected midwall shortening (scMWS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). RESULTS Patients with active RA had higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes compared with patients in remission and controls (both p<0.05). LV ejection fraction (endocardial function) was normal in all three groups, while mean scMWS and GLS (myocardial function) were reduced in patients with RA with active disease compared with patients with RA in remission (95±18% vs 105±17% and -18.9±3.1% vs -20.6±3.5%, respectively, both p<0.01). Patients with RA in remission had similar scMWS and GLS as the controls. In multivariable analyses, having active RA was associated with lower GLS (β=0.21) and scMWS (β=-0.22, both p<0.05), both reflecting lower LV systolic myocardial function, independent of cardiovascular risk factors and LV ejection fraction. Classification of RA disease activity by other disease activity composite scores yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS Active RA is associated with lower LV systolic myocardial function despite normal ejection fraction and independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Midtbø
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Grete Semb
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Matre
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tore K Kvien
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Gerdts
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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17
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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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18
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Rollefstad S, Ikdahl E, Hisdal J, Olsen IC, Holme I, Hammer HB, Smerud KT, Kitas GD, Pedersen TR, Kvien TK, Semb AG. Rosuvastatin-Induced Carotid Plaque Regression in Patients With Inflammatory Joint Diseases: The Rosuvastatin in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Other Inflammatory Joint Diseases Study. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:1718-28. [PMID: 25778850 DOI: 10.1002/art.39114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and carotid artery plaques have an increased risk of acute coronary syndromes. Statin treatment with the goal of achieving a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of ≤1.8 mmoles/liter (≤70 mg/dl) is recommended for individuals in the general population who have carotid plaques. The aim of the ROsuvastatin in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and other inflammatory joint diseases (RORA-AS) study was to evaluate the effect of 18 months of intensive lipid-lowering treatment with rosuvastatin with regard to change in carotid plaque height. METHODS Eighty-six patients (60.5% of whom were female) with carotid plaques and inflammatory joint disease (55 with RA, 21 with AS, and 10 with psoriatic arthritis) were treated with rosuvastatin to obtain the LDL cholesterol goal. Carotid plaque height was evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography. RESULTS The mean ± SD age of the patients was 60.8 ± 8.5 years, and the median compliance with rosuvastatin treatment was 97.9% (interquartile range [IQR] 96.0-99.4). At baseline, the median number and height of the carotid plaques were 1.0 (range 1-8) and 1.80 mm (IQR 1.60-2.10), respectively. The mean ± SD change in carotid plaque height after 18 months of treatment with rosuvastatin was -0.19 ± 0.35 mm (P < 0.0001). The mean ± SD baseline LDL cholesterol level was 4.0 ± 0.9 mmoles/liter (154.7 ± 34.8 mg/dl), and the mean reduction in the LDL cholesterol level was -2.3 mmoles/liter (95% confidence interval [95% CI] -2.48, -2.15) (-88.9 mg/dl [95% CI -95.9, -83.1]). The mean ± SD LDL cholesterol level during the 18 months of rosuvastatin treatment was 1.7 ± 0.4 mmoles/liter (area under the curve). After adjustment for age/sex/blood pressure, no linear relationship between a reduction in carotid plaque height and the level of LDL cholesterol exposure during the study period was observed. Attainment of the LDL cholesterol goal of ≤1.8 mmoles/liter (≤70 mg/dl) or the amount of change in the LDL cholesterol level during the study period did not influence the degree of carotid plaque height reduction. CONCLUSION Intensive lipid-lowering treatment with rosuvastatin induced atherosclerotic regression and reduced the LDL cholesterol level significantly in patients with inflammatory joint disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E Ikdahl
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - J Hisdal
- Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Oslo, Norway
| | - I C Olsen
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - I Holme
- Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - K T Smerud
- Smerud Medical Research International AS, Oslo, Norway
| | - G D Kitas
- The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK
| | - T R Pedersen
- Centre of Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - T K Kvien
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - A G Semb
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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