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Park E, Bathon J. Cardiovascular complications of rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:209-216. [PMID: 38334476 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients remain at higher cardiovascular (CV) risk compared to non-RA patients, driven by accelerated atherosclerosis, leading to plaque rupture and acute CV events (CVE), including heart failure (HF). It has been hypothesized that chronic inflammation is the main driving force behind such outcomes. We summarize the current evidence supporting this hypothesis, focusing on arterial disease and myocardial disease. RECENT FINDINGS RA patients demonstrate higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis (high risk plaque and arterial inflammation) compared to non-RA patients, with RA disease activity correlating independently with CVE and death. Nonischemic HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is more common in RA compared to non-RA, with subclinical myocardial structural and functional alterations also more prevalent in RA. HFpEF and myocardial remodeling and dysfunction bear a strong and independent association with inflammatory correlates. SUMMARY All of this suggests that inflammation contributes to enhanced risk of CVE in RA. A more accurate and specific CV risk stratification tool for RA, incorporating biomarkers or imaging, is needed. Likewise, more prospective studies outlining the trajectory from preclinical to clinical HF, incorporating biomarkers and imaging, are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Park
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
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Wang J, Vordenbäumen S, Schneider M, Brinks R. Population-based epidemiological projections of rheumatoid arthritis in Germany until 2040. Scand J Rheumatol 2024; 53:161-172. [PMID: 38358097 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2024.2312693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim was to conduct a population-based projection to estimate the number of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases in Germany until 2040. METHOD Data obtained from a report published in 2017 (doi:10.20364/VA-17.08) were used for future prediction analysis. The data were originally collected by the German Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance. We used the illness-death model to estimate future numbers of RA cases, considering nine possible scenarios based on different incidence and mortality rates. RESULTS In the baseline scenario, the number of women with RA is projected to increase by 417 000 cases and men by 179 000 cases by 2040, compared with 2015. Peak numbers of cases are concentrated in the 70-80-year-old age group, particularly among women. In the most favourable scenario (scenario 2), assuming a decreasing incidence, the total number of RA cases is projected to rise by 284 000 by 2040, reflecting a 38% relative increase from 2015 to 2040. The least favourable scenario (scenario 9), assuming an increasing incidence, projects a significant burden on the healthcare system. The total number of RA cases is expected to rise by 1.16 million by 2040, marking a substantial 158% relative increase from 2015 to 2040. CONCLUSIONS Our research emphasizes a discernible trend: with an ageing society, improving treatment effectiveness, and declining all-cause mortality, we anticipate a rise in the absolute numbers of RA cases in Germany in the coming years. Our models robustly support this viewpoint, underscoring impending challenges for healthcare systems. Addressing these challenges demands multifaceted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Institute of Biometry and Epidemiology, The German Diabetes Center, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S Vordenbäumen
- Department of Rheumatology, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Meerbusch-Lank, Meerbusch, Germany
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - M Schneider
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - R Brinks
- Chair for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Ambler WG, Kaplan MJ. Vascular damage in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:251-265. [PMID: 38172627 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00797-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Vascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although comorbid cardiovascular risk factors are frequently present in patients with SLE, they do not explain the high burden of premature vascular disease. Profound innate and adaptive immune dysregulation seems to be the primary driver of accelerated vascular damage in SLE. In particular, evidence suggests that dysregulation of type 1 interferon (IFN-I) and aberrant neutrophils have key roles in the pathogenesis of vascular damage. IFN-I promotes endothelial dysfunction directly via effects on endothelial cells and indirectly via priming of immune cells that contribute to vascular damage. SLE neutrophils are vasculopathic in part because of their increased ability to form immunostimulatory neutrophil extracellular traps. Despite improvements in clinical care, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality among patients with SLE, and treatments that improve vascular outcomes are urgently needed. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of vascular injury in inflammatory conditions such as SLE could also have implications for common cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, and may ultimately lead to personalized therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of this potentially fatal complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Ambler
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Sugitani N, Tanaka E, Inoue E, Abe M, Sugano E, Saka K, Ochiai M, Higuchi Y, Yamaguchi R, Sugimoto N, Ikari K, Nakajima A, Yamanaka H, Harigai M. Unincreased mortality of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis compared to the general population in the past 17 years: Analyses from the IORRA cohort. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:322-328. [PMID: 36786480 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this article is to investigate the mortality rate of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over the past 17 years. METHODS Japanese patients with early RA enrolled in the Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatoid Arthritis cohort from 2001 to 2012 were classified into Groups A (2001-06) and B (2007-12). The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and 5-year survival rate were calculated. RESULTS Groups A and B had 1609 and 1608 patients, of which 167 and 178 patients were lost during follow-up and 47 and 45 deaths were confirmed, respectively. The SMR (95% confidence intervals) for Groups A and B were 0.81 (0.59-1.08) and 0.78 (0.57-1.04), respectively, with the condition that all untraceable patients were alive. Assuming that the mortality rate of untraceable patients was twice as high as that of the general population, the SMR was 0.90 (0.68-1.19) for Group A and 0.92 (0.68-1.23) for Group B. The 5-year survival rates were 96.9% and 97.0% for Groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The 5-year mortality of patients with early RA has been comparable to that of the general Japanese population. The 5-year survival rate has been stable over the past 17 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Sugitani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tanaka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Inoue
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Administration Center, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Abe
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Sugano
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Saka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moeko Ochiai
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Higuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rei Yamaguchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsunori Ikari
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Multidisciplinary Management of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Nakajima
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Mie University Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Hisashi Yamanaka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Rheumatology, Sanno Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rheumatology, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Harigai
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Duruöz MT, Ataman Ş, Bodur H, Çay HF, Melikoğlu MA, Akgül Ö, Çapkın E, Gürer G, Çevik R, Göğüş FN, Kamanlı A, Yurdakul FG, Yağcı İ, Rezvani A, Altan L. Prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a real-life evidence from BioSTAR nationwide registry. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:291-301. [PMID: 38157014 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities. The association of CV diseases (CVD) and traditional CV risk factors has been debated, depending on patient and RA characteristics. This study aimed to find the prevalence of CVD and CV risk factors in patients with RA. A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed on RA patients using the BioSTAR (Biological and Targeted Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Registry) in September 2022. Socio-demographic, clinical, and follow-up data were collected. Myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disorders, congestive heart failure, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack were regarded as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). CVD was defined as the presence of at least one clinical situation of MACE. Group 1 and Group 2 included patients with and without CVD. Prevalence rates of CVD and traditional CV risk factors were the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were the differences in the clinical characteristics between patients with and without CVD. An analysis of 724 patients with a mean age of 55.1 ± 12.8 years diagnosed with RA was conducted. There was a female preponderance (79.6%). The prevalence rate of CVD was 4.6% (n = 33). The frequencies of the diseases in the MACE category were ischemic heart disease in 27, congestive heart failure in five, peripheral vascular disorders in three, and cerebrovascular events in three patients. The patients with CVD (Group 1) were significantly male, older, and had higher BMI (p = 0.027, p < 0.001, and p = 0.041). Obesity (33.4%) and hypertension (27.2%) were the two CV risk factors most frequently. Male sex (HR = 7.818, 95% CI 3.030-20.173, p < 0.001) and hypertension (HR = 4.570, 95% CI 1.567-13.328, p = 0.005) were the independent risk factors for CVD. The prevalence of CVD in RA patients was 4.6%. Some common risk factors for CVD in the general population, including male sex, older age, and hypertension, were evident in RA patients. Male sex and hypertension were the independent risk factors for developing CVD in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Tuncay Duruöz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Şebnem Ataman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Hatice Bodur
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, Ankara City Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Fatih Çay
- Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Meltem Alkan Melikoğlu
- Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Özgür Akgül
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Türkiye
| | - Erhan Çapkın
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Türkiye
| | - Gülcan Gürer
- Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, University School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - Remzi Çevik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
| | - Feride Nur Göğüş
- Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ayhan Kamanlı
- Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Fatma Gül Yurdakul
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - İlker Yağcı
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Aylin Rezvani
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaton, Internatonal School of Medicine, İstanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Lale Altan
- Department of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa, Türkiye
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Raadsen R, Hansildaar R, Pouw LC, Hooijberg F, Boekel L, Wolbink GJ, van Kuijk AWR, Nurmohamed MT. Cardiovascular disease risk in patients with inflammatory arthritis nowadays still substantially elevated. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003485. [PMID: 38053460 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess current cardiovascular disease risk and prevalence of risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS 2050 consecutive patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) and 939 controls were included, with 1308 patients with RA, 356 patients with PsA and 386 patients with SpA. In a prospective cohort setting, questionnaires regarding previous cardiovascular events and risk factors were used to assess cardiovascular risk and prevalence in patients with IA by calculating ORs using logistic regression models. RESULTS 'Traditional' cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were significantly elevated in patients with IA compared with controls. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) ORs were increased in patients with RA and PsA compared with controls, 1.61 (95% CI: 1.04 to 2.48) and 2.12 (95% CI: 1.23 to 3.66), respectively, and a trend towards increased odds was observed in patients with SpA (OR 1.43; 95% CI: 0.79 to 2.59). After adjusting for traditional risk factors, CV risk was not increased in patients with RA (OR; 0.95, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.55), PsA (OR 1.19; 95% CI: 0.64 to 2.22) and SpA (OR; 0.91, 95% CI: 0.47 to 1.77). CONCLUSION CVD is currently still more prevalent in patients with IA compared with healthy controls and, more importantly, this elevated risk is highly influenced by an increased prevalence of 'traditional' CV risk factors. More attention to, as well as improvements in, identification and treatment of 'traditional' risk factors, need to be made for not only RA, but other IA conditions as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinder Raadsen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Romy Hansildaar
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne C Pouw
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Faculteit der Betawetenschappen, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Hooijberg
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Boekel
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jan Wolbink
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Arno W R van Kuijk
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Michael T Nurmohamed
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands
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Bower H, Frisell T, di Giuseppe D, Delcoigne B, Askling J. Comparative cardiovascular safety with janus kinase inhibitors and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs as used in clinical practice: an observational cohort study from Sweden in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003630. [PMID: 37996125 PMCID: PMC10668277 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), or other biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), in clinical practice, and to contextualise these findings by comparing to the Swedish RA population and general population at large. METHODS Patients with RA initiating JAKi, TNFi and non-TNFi bDMARDs were identified in the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register between 2016 and 2021. Through linkages to national registers, a cohort of patients with RA, general population comparators, as well as covariates and incident major acute CV event (MACE, including myocardial infarction, stroke and fatal CV events) were identified until 2022. Crude and age-sex standardised rates were calculated and HRs estimated from multivariable Cox regression models using TNFi as reference. RESULTS We identified 13 492 patients with RA initiating a JAKi, non-TNFi bDMARD or TNFi treatment. Among 3037 JAKi-initiators, 59 MACE events were observed. The age-sex standardised rates for MACE were similar in the JAKi (0.88 per 100 person years) and TNFi (0.91) cohorts. Fully adjusted models showed no increased rate of MACE with JAKi (HR=0.71, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.99), or non-TNFi bDMARD (HR=0.98; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.23) in comparison to TNFi. We found no evidence that this HR changed over time since treatment initiation. In a CV-enriched subset, we observed higher rates but similar HRs. CONCLUSIONS As used in present clinical practice in Sweden, we found no evidence that CV risk is higher with JAKis than TNFis in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Bower
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela di Giuseppe
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedicte Delcoigne
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Askling
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Rheumatology, Theme Inflammation and Ageing, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Larsen RA, Constantopoulos E, Kodishala C, Lovering E, Kumar R, Hulshizer CA, Lennon RJ, Crowson CS, Nguyen AT, Myasoedova E. Neuropathologic evaluation of cerebrovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI296-SI303. [PMID: 37871918 PMCID: PMC10593511 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Active RA has been associated with an increased risk of both cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. We aimed to compare cerebrovascular changes in patients with and without RA, both with and without a neuropathologic diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease. METHODS Patients with RA (n = 32) who died and underwent autopsy between 1994 and 2021 were matched to non-RA controls (n = 32) on age, sex and level of neurodegenerative proteinopathy. Routine neuropathologic examination was performed at the time of autopsy. Cerebrovascular disease severity was evaluated using modified Kalaria and Strozyk scales. Clinical dementia diagnoses were manually collected from patients' medical records. RESULTS Prior to death, 15 (47%) RA patients and 14 (44%) controls were diagnosed with dementia; 9 patients in each group (60% and 64%, respectively) had Alzheimer's disease. The prevalence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, microinfarcts, infarcts or strokes was found to be similar between groups. Patients with RA were more likely to have more severe vascular changes in the basal ganglia by Kalaria scale (P = 0.04), but not in other brain areas. There were no significant differences in the presence of large infarcts, lacunar infarcts or leukoencephalopathy by Strozyk scale. Among patients with RA and no clinical diagnosis of dementia, the majority had mild-moderate cerebrovascular abnormalities, and a subset of patients had Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic changes. CONCLUSION In this small series of autopsies, patients with and without RA had largely similar cerebrovascular pathology when controlling for neurodegenerative proteinopathies, although patients with RA exhibited more pronounced cerebrovascular disease in the basal ganglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Larsen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Neuropathology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Eleni Constantopoulos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Neuropathology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chanakya Kodishala
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Edward Lovering
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Ryan J Lennon
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Cynthia S Crowson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Aivi T Nguyen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Neuropathology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elena Myasoedova
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Raadsen R, Hansildaar R, van Kuijk AWR, Nurmohamed MT. Male rheumatoid arthritis patients at substantially higher risk for cardiovascular mortality in comparison to women. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 62:152233. [PMID: 37356211 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. While advice regarding cardiovascular risk screening and management in RA patients has been incorporated in several guidelines in recent years, its implementation and adherence is still poor. OBJECTIVES To assess the cardiovascular disease risk in new diagnosed RA patients and evaluate whether advice to initiate preventive medical treatment of high risk patients was followed. METHODS All patients with a recent diagnosis of RA, aged 40-70 years, were screened between May 2019 and December 2022 for cardiovascular diseases and risk factors within the first year after diagnosis at the outpatient rheumatology clinic, as part of standard care. Screening included a physical examination with blood pressure measurement, and laboratory tests with lipid profile tests. All patients and their general practitioner (GP) received an overview with their cardiovascular risk profile and a calculated 10-year cardiovascular mortality risk. Cardiovascular risk was defined as low (<1%), intermediate (1-5%), high (5-10%) and very high (>10%). The national pharmacy network was consulted to check whether or not patients started preventive medication after screening. RESULTS A total of 125 RA patients was included in this study. The mean age was 56 years and 78% was female. Median RA disease duration at screening was 6 months. Six patients (5%) indicated to have been screened before, and used antihypertensive medication. During screening, hypertension was found in 57% of male patients and 43% of female patients and dyslipidemia was found in 36% in male and 32% in female patients. 46% of male patients and 21% of female patients currently smoked. A high or very high 10-year cardiovascular mortality risk was found in 50% of male patients, but in only 4% of female patients. Only 26% of (very) high risk patients started antihypertensive or statin medication after screening. CONCLUSIONS An increased cardiovascular disease risk is often present in newly diagnosed RA patients, especially male patients, with a large proportion having undiagnosed and untreated hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Even with structural screening and informing of the patients and GPs, treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in high risk patients remains insufficient. CV risk screening needs to be part of standard care for RA patients, with clear agreement on the responsibilities between primary and secondary care. Awareness of the importance of CVD risk screening needs to improve among both RA patients themselves and the GPs to ultimately reduce the cardiovascular burden of our patients. Obviously, a better collaboration between GPs and rheumatologists is urgently needed to lower the cardiovascular burden of our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Raadsen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands.
| | - R Hansildaar
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
| | - A W R van Kuijk
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
| | - M T Nurmohamed
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
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10
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Lam TO, Cheng IT, Lam SH, Mok CC, Ho CT, Cheung TT, Lao VW, Pang HT, To CH, Yim CW, Ng A, Kwok KY, Lee KL, Ying SK, Wan MC, Lee JM, Tam LS. Five-year cardiovascular event risk in early rheumatoid arthritis patients who received treat-to-target management: a case-control study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:2998-3005. [PMID: 36707997 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explored whether the excess cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) risk in RA could be ameliorated by suppression of inflammation using a treat-to-target (T2T) approach. We compared the CV event (CVE) incidence among ERA patients managed by a T2T strategy with a CV risk factor-matched non-RA population and a historical RA cohort (HRA). METHODS This was an observational study using the city-wide hospital data and the ERA registry. ERA patients received T2T management while HRA patients received routine care. Each ERA/HRA patient was matched to three non-RA controls according to age, gender and CV risk factors. Patients on antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents, with pre-existing CVD, chronic kidney disease or other autoimmune diseases were excluded. All subjects were followed for up to 5 years. The primary end point was the first occurrence of a CVE. RESULTS The incidence of CVE in the ERA cohort (n = 261) and ERA controls were similar with a hazard ratio of 0.53 (95% CI 0.15, 1.79). In contrast, the incidence of CVE in the HRA cohort (n = 268) was significantly higher than that of the HRA controls with a hazard ratio of 1.9 (95% CI 1.16, 3.13). The incidence of CVE in the ERA cohort was significantly lower than that of the HRA cohort and the difference became insignificant after adjusting for inflammation, the use of methotrexate and traditional CV risk factors. CONCLUSION ERA patients managed by a T2T strategy did not develop excess CVE compared with CV risk factor-matched controls over 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz On Lam
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Isaac T Cheng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Steven H Lam
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carmen T Ho
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tommy T Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Virginia W Lao
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hin Ting Pang
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Hung To
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Pok Oi Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk Wan Yim
- Department of Medicine, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexandra Ng
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Caritas Medical Centre, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kitty Y Kwok
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka Lai Lee
- Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shirley K Ying
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Choi Wan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jolly M Lee
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tai Po Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lai-Shan Tam
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Barkhane Z, Zaree A, Zulfiqar S, Qudoos A, Vaidhyula S, Jaiprada F, Dar S, Ali N. Comparison of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With and Without Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Cureus 2023; 15:e40348. [PMID: 37456442 PMCID: PMC10339149 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to patients without rheumatoid arthritis. We conducted a thorough search of online databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, to identify English-language publications examining cardiovascular outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from January 1, 2005, to May 15, 2023. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was performed using relevant keywords such as "rheumatoid arthritis," "cardiovascular diseases," and "risk," along with their synonyms. Medical subject heading (MeSH) terms and Boolean operators (AND, OR) were employed to optimize the search. Outcomes assessed in this study included composite cardiovascular events (as defined by individual studies), myocardial infarction, and stroke (including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke). Overall, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present meta-analysis. We found that the risk of composite CVD was higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to patients without rheumatoid arthritis. We also found a higher risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to their counterparts. This study demonstrates the elevated risk of CVD in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and highlights the importance of incorporating cardiovascular management and assessment into the care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zineb Barkhane
- Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Hassan II Casablanca, Casablanca, MAR
| | - Amna Zaree
- Medicine, Shalimar Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK
| | - Sualeha Zulfiqar
- Internal Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, PAK
| | - Ahmed Qudoos
- Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad, PAK
| | - Santhoshi Vaidhyula
- Medicine, Dr. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, IND
| | - Fnu Jaiprada
- Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Saleha Dar
- Adult Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Neelum Ali
- Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, PAK
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12
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Atzeni F, Maiani S, Corda M, Rodríguez-Carrio J. Diagnosis and management of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: main challenges and research agenda. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:279-292. [PMID: 36651086 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2170351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibit a cardiovascular (CV) risk that is 1.5-2.0 times higher compared to the general population. This CV risk excess is likely caused by the involvement of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Therefore, conventional algorithms and imaging techniques fail to fully account for this risk excess and provide a suboptimal risk stratification, hence limiting clinical management in this setting. AREAS COVERED Compelling evidence has suggested a role for adaptations of conventional algorithms (Framingham, SCORE, AHA, etc) or the development of RA-specific algorithms, as well as the use of a number of several, noninvasive imaging techniques to improve CV risk assessment in RA populations. Similarly, in-depth analyses of atherosclerosis pathogenesis in RA patients have shed new light into a plethora of soluble biomarkers (such as inflammatory cytokines, vascular remodeling mediators or autoantibodies) that may provide incremental value for CV risk stratification. EXPERT OPINION Extensive research has demonstrated a lack of performance of chart adaptations in capturing real CV risk in RA population, as well as for RA-specific algorithms. Similarly, limitations have been detected in the use of soluble mediators. The development of a novel, RA-specific algorithm including classical and non-traditional risk factors may be advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Experimental and Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Maiani
- Clinical Cardiology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- S.C. Cardiologia UTIC, ARNAS, G.Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Area of Immunology, Department of Functional Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Area of Metabolism, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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13
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Raadsen R, Agca R, Boers M, van Halm VP, Peters MJL, Smulders Y, Beulens JWJ, Blom MT, Stehouwer CDA, Voskuyl AE, Lems WF, Nurmohamed MT. In RA patients without prevalent CVD, incident CVD is mainly associated with traditional risk factors: A 20-year follow-up in the CARRÉ cohort study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 58:152132. [PMID: 36434892 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To extend our investigation of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to a follow up of more than 20 years, with a special focus on patients without prevalent CVD. METHODS The CARRÉ study is an ongoing prospective cohort study on CV endpoints in RA patients. Results were compared to those of a reference cohort (n = 2484) enriched for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Hazard ratios (HR) for RA and DM patients compared to non-RA/-DM controls were calculated with cox proportional hazard models, and adjusted for baseline SCORE1 (estimated 10-year CVD mortality risk based on CV risk factors). RESULTS 238 RA patients, 117 DM patients and 1282 controls, without prevalent CVD at baseline were included. Analysis of events in these patients shows that after adjustment, no relevant 'RA-specific' risk remains (HR 1.16; 95%CI 0.88 - 1.53), whereas a 'DM-specific' risk is retained (1.73; 1.24 - 2.42). In contrast, adjusted analyses of all cases confirm the presence of an 'RA-specific' risk (1.50; 1.19 - 1.89). CONCLUSIONS In RA patients without prevalent CVD the increased CVD risk is mainly attributable to increased presence of traditional risk factors. After adjustment for these factors, an increased risk attributable to RA only was thus preferentially seen in the patients with prevalent CVD at baseline. As RA treatment has improved, this data suggests that the 'RA-specific' effect of inflammation is preferentially seen in patients with prevalent CVD. We suggest that with modern (early) treatment of RA, most of the current increased CVD risk is mediated through traditional risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Raadsen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands.
| | - R Agca
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
| | - M Boers
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - V P van Halm
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
| | - M J L Peters
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Internal Medicine, Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Y Smulders
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
| | - J W J Beulens
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M T Blom
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C D A Stehouwer
- Maastricht University Medical Centre+, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands; Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht, Limburg, the Netherlands
| | - A E Voskuyl
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
| | - W F Lems
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
| | - M T Nurmohamed
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location VUmc and Reade, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands
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14
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Södergren A, Solbritt Rantapää-Dahlqvist, Ljung L. Time Trends of Cardiovascular Disease in the General Population and Inflammatory Arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:1-17. [PMID: 36424020 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death in the world, but declining trends for cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity have been observed during the last decades. Reports on secular trends regarding the excess CV mortality and morbidity in rheumatoid arthritis show diverging results. Data support that also patients with inflammatory arthritis have benefited from improved treatment and prevention for CVD, which can be observed, for example, in decreased case fatality after CV event. However, several recent studies indicate a remaining excess CV risk in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Södergren
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine/Rheumatology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | | | - Lotta Ljung
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine/Rheumatology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Center for Rheumatology, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Services, Box 6357, Stockholm 102 35, Sweden. https://twitter.com/lotta_ljung
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15
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Jenkins N, Jhundoo N, Rainbow P, Sheehan KJ, Bearne LM. Inequity in exercise-based interventions for adults with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkac095. [PMID: 36726732 PMCID: PMC9880983 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This systematic review describes the extent to which PROGRESS-Plus equity factors were considered in the eligibility criteria of trials of exercise interventions for adults with RA. Methods Electronic databases were searched for published (Cinahl, Embase, Medline, Physiotherapy Evidence Database), unpublished (Opengrey) and registered ongoing (International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number registry) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise interventions for adults with RA. Two authors independently performed study selection and quality assessment (Cochrane risk of bias tool). Results A total of 9696 records were identified. After screening, 50 trials were included. All trials had either some concerns or high risk of bias and reported at least one PROGRESS-Plus equity factor within the eligibility criteria; this included place of residence, personal characteristics (age and disability), language, sex, social capital, time-dependent factors or features of relationship factors. Where reported, this equated to exclusion of 457 of 1337 potential participants (34%) based on equity factors. Conclusion This review identified the exclusion of potential participants within exercise-based interventions for people with RA based on equity factors that might affect health-care opportunities and outcomes. This limits the generalizability of results, and yet this evidence is used to inform management and service design. Trials need to optimize participation, particularly for people with cardiovascular conditions, older adults and those with cognitive impairments. Reasons for exclusions need to be justified. Further research needs to address health inequalities to improve treatment accessibility and the generalizability of research findings. PROSPERO registration CRD42021260941.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Jenkins
- Department of Population Health, Environmental and Life Course Sciences,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Nishita Jhundoo
- Department of Population Health, Environmental and Life Course Sciences,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Philippa Rainbow
- Department of Population Health, Environmental and Life Course Sciences,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Katie Jane Sheehan
- Department of Population Health, Environmental and Life Course Sciences,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Lindsay Mary Bearne
- Correspondence to: Lindsay Mary Bearne, Population Health
Research Institute, St George's, University of London, 1st Floor, Jenner Wing, Cranmer
Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK. E-mail:
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16
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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17
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Erre GL, Cacciapaglia F, Sakellariou G, Manfredi A, Bartoloni E, Viapiana O, Fornaro M, Cauli A, Mangoni AA, Woodman RJ, Palermo BL, Gremese E, Cafaro G, Nucera V, Vacchi C, Spinelli FR, Atzeni F, Piga M. C-reactive protein and 10-year cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 104:49-54. [PMID: 35821191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and 10-year risk of cardiovascular (CV) events using the Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ERS-RA), based on conventional and RA-specific risk factors but not CRP, in RA patients without previous cardiovascular events. METHODS ERS-RA was calculated in 1,251 "Cardiovascular Obesity and Rheumatic Disease Study (CORDIS)" database patients [(age 60.4(9.3) years; 78% female; disease duration, 11.6(8) years; CDAI, 9(9); CRP, 6.8(12) mg/L]. RESULTS The mean (SD) 10-year risk of CV events was 12.9% (10). After adjusting for the use of DMARDs and biologics, CRP concentrations were significantly associated with 10-year risk of CV events (coefficient=0.005 for each 10 mg/L CRP increment; 95%CI 0.000-0.111; p = 0.047). In mediation analysis, the association between CRP and ERS-RA was not explained by disease activity. CONCLUSION In a large cohort of RA patients without previous cardiovascular events, a 20 mg/L increase in CRP concentrations was associated with a 1% increase in 10-year risk of CV events. This suggests that actively targeting residual inflammatory risk beyond conventional and RA-specific risk factors might further reduce CV event rates in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Erre
- University and AOU of Sassari, Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Farmacia, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Fabio Cacciapaglia
- University and AOU, Policlinico of Bari, Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Andreina Manfredi
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Unit of Rheumatology, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- University of Perugia, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fornaro
- University and AOU, Policlinico of Bari, Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Bari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU and University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Arduino Aleksander Mangoni
- Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Richard John Woodman
- Flinders University, Centre of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Elisa Gremese
- Policlinico Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Roma, Italy
| | - Giacomo Cafaro
- University of Verona, Dipartimento di Medicina, Verona, Italy
| | - Valeria Nucera
- University of Messina, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Messina, Italy
| | - Caterina Vacchi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Spinelli
- Università La Sapienza, Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabiola Atzeni
- University of Messina, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Messina, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU and University of Cagliari, Italy
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18
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Finckh A, Gilbert B, Hodkinson B, Bae SC, Thomas R, Deane KD, Alpizar-Rodriguez D, Lauper K. Global epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:591-602. [PMID: 36068354 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00827-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that predominantly affects the joints. The prevalence of RA varies globally, with generally a higher prevalence in industrialized countries, which may be explained by exposures to environmental risk factors, but also by genetic factors, differing demographics and under-reporting in other parts of the world. Over the past three decades, strong trends of the declining severity of RA probably reflect changes in treatment paradigms and overall better management of the disease. Other trends include increasing RA prevalence. Common risk factors for RA include both modifiable lifestyle-associated variables and non-modifiable features, such as genetics and sex. A better understanding of the natural history of RA, and of the factors that contribute to the development of RA in specific populations, might lead to the introduction of specific prevention strategies for this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Benoît Gilbert
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bridget Hodkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology and Hanyang University Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ranjeny Thomas
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin D Deane
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Kim Lauper
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland.,Centre for Epidemiology versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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19
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Chang CM, Lin JR, Fu TC. Associations Between Sarcopenia, Heart Failure and Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:882911. [PMID: 35860734 PMCID: PMC9290756 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.882911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesTo evaluate associations between sarcopenia, type of autoimmune disease and risk of heart failure (HF) and myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn this population-based, cross-sectional study, discharge data from the 2005–2014 US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) of hospitalized patients with SLE or RA were extracted and analyzed. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between sarcopenia, type of autoimmune disease and risk of HF/MI.ResultsAfter exclusions, 781,199 hospitalized patients diagnosed with SLE or RA were included. Among the study cohort, 127,812 (16.4%) were hospitalized with HF, and 12,781 (1.6%) were hospitalized with MI. Sarcopenia was found in only 0.1% of HF/MI patients. Logistic regression analyses revealed that sarcopenia was not significantly associated with presence of either HF or MI. Patients with RA had significantly lower odds of HF than SLE patients (aOR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.76, 0.79) or MI (aOR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.82, 0.91).ConclusionIn the US, among hospitalized adults diagnosed with SLE or RA, patients with RA are significantly less likely to have HF or MI than those with SLE. Whether sarcopenia leads to increased HF or MI remains inconclusive. Further studies are warranted to investigate the pathophysiology underlying discrepancies between RA and SLE regarding risk for MI or HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Mao Chang
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jr-Rung Lin
- Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical (Joint Appointment), Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tieh-Cheng Fu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Heart Failure Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Tieh-Cheng Fu
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Lomzenski HE, Thiele GM, Duryee MJ, Chen SC, Ye F, Anderson DR, Mikuls TR, Ormseth MJ. Serum anti-malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde IgA antibody concentration improves prediction of coronary atherosclerosis beyond traditional risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10547. [PMID: 35732827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14954-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased atherosclerosis; oxidative stress may be a contributor. Oxidative stress produces immunogenic malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) protein adducts and anti-MAA antibodies are detectable in human serum. We hypothesized that anti-MAA antibody concentrations are associated with coronary atherosclerosis in RA patients. Serum concentrations of anti-MAA antibodies (IgA, IgG, and IgM) were measured in 166 RA patients using ELISA cross-sectionally. Relationship between anti-MAA antibody concentrations and cardiovascular and metabolic measures and predictive accuracy of anti-MAA antibodies for presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and high CAC (≥ 300 Agatston units or ≥ 75th percentile) were assessed. Only serum IgA anti-MAA antibody concentration was associated with increased CAC, insulin resistance, and decreased high-density lipoprotein particle number. When added as an interaction term with ACC/AHA 10-year risk score plus high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IgA anti-MAA antibody concentration improved the C-statistic for prediction of any CAC and high CAC compared to ACC/AHA 10-year risk score plus hs-CRP alone. IgA anti-MAA concentration is associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and modifies the relationship between ACC/AHA 10-year risk score and CAC in RA patients. IgA anti-MAA concentration could assist in prediction of atherosclerotic CVD and risk stratification when added to standard measures of cardiovascular risk.
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21
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Ahmed O, Krishnamurthy V, Kaba RA, Tahir H. The Management of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:947-958. [PMID: 35575484 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2076594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with an increased incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction and heart failure. In addition to traditional risk factors, evidence suggests inflammation is critical to the pathophysiology of both conditions. Despite the association being well-recognised, challenges remain in managing cardiovascular risk in RA. AREAS COVERED This manuscript analyses the association between CVD and RA andexplores the limitations in evaluating cardiovascular risk in RA with available risk assessment tools. The authors review and discuss the optimal management of traditional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia and contemporary risk factors such as inflammation and analyse the cardiovascular impact of RA medications. EXPERT OPINION Analysis points to the critical role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of RA and CVD. It is well established that conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) improve cardiovascular outcomes; however, underlying risk often remains underappreciated. The authors suggest there remains an opportunity to improve mortality and morbidity with the early recognition and identification of at-risk populations and the timely initiation of appropriate cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory medications. More research is necessary into the role that imaging may play in stratifying risk and in the longer-term cardiovascular impact of biological DMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ahmed
- Senior Research Fellow in Cardiology & Cardiac Electrophysiology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, London, UK
| | - Vinodh Krishnamurthy
- Research Practitioner, Royal Free London NHS Trust, Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Wellhouse Lane EN5 3DJ, UK
| | - Riyaz A Kaba
- Consultant in Cardiac Electrophysiology & Devices, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London, UK
| | - Hasan Tahir
- Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist, Honorary Clinical Professor, University College London, Royal Free London NHS Trust, Wellhouse Lane EN5 3DJ, UK
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22
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Alsing CL, Nystad TW, Igland J, Gjesdal CG, Midtbø H, Tell GS, Fevang BT. Trends in the occurrence of ischaemic heart disease over time in rheumatoid arthritis: 1821 patients from 1972 to 2017. Scand J Rheumatol 2022; 52:233-242. [PMID: 35272584 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2022.2040116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate trends of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared with the general population over time. METHOD We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1821 RA patients diagnosed from 1972 to 2013. Aggregated counts of the total population of the same county (Hordaland, Norway) and period were used for comparison. Information on AMI and IHD events was obtained from hospital patient administrative systems or cardiovascular registries. We estimated incidence rates and excess of events [standardized event ratio (SER) with 95% confidence interval (CI)] compared with the general population by Poisson regression. RESULTS There was an average annual decline of 1.6% in age- and gender-adjusted AMI incidence rates from 1972 to 2017 (p < 0.035). The difference in events (excess events) in RA patients compared with the general population declined on average by 1.3% per year for AMI and by 2.3% for IHD from 1972 to 2014. There were no significant excess AMI (SER 1.05, 95% CI 0.82-1.35) or IHD events (SER 1.02, 95% CI 0.89-1.16) for RA patients diagnosed after 1998 compared with the general population. CONCLUSION Incidence rates and excess events of AMI and IHD in RA patients declined from 1972 to 2017. There were no excess AMI or IHD events in RA patients diagnosed after 1998 compared with the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Alsing
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - T W Nystad
- Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - J Igland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health and Social Science, Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Western Norway University of Applied Science, Bergen, Norway
| | - C G Gjesdal
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - H Midtbø
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - G S Tell
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - B T Fevang
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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23
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Park E, Griffin J, Bathon JM. Myocardial Dysfunction and Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:184-199. [PMID: 34523821 PMCID: PMC8795468 DOI: 10.1002/art.41979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have almost twice the risk of heart failure (HF) as individuals without RA, even with adjustment for the presence of ischemic heart disease. Moreover, RA patients remain at a 2-fold higher risk of mortality from HF compared to non-RA patients. These observations suggest that RA-specific inflammatory pathways are significant contributors to this increased risk of HF. Herein we summarize the epidemiology of HF in RA patients, the differences in myocardial structure or function between RA patients and non-RA patients without clinical signs of HF, and data on the role of systemic and local inflammation in RA HF pathophysiology. We also discuss the impact of subduing inflammation through the use of RA disease-modifying therapies on HF and myocardial structure and function, emphasizing gaps in the literature and areas needing further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Park
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Jan Griffin
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Joan M Bathon
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan M Bathon
- J.M. Bathon, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
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25
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Chen J, Norling LV, Cooper D. Cardiac Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Role of Inflammation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040881. [PMID: 33924323 PMCID: PMC8070480 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that carries an increased risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease. The link between inflammation and atherosclerotic disease is clear; however, recent evidence suggests that inflammation may also play a role in the development of nonischemic heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We consider here the link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease in the RA community with a focus on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The effect of current anti-inflammatory therapeutics, used to treat RA patients, on cardiovascular disease are discussed as well as whether targeting resolution of inflammation might offer an alternative strategy for tempering inflammation and subsequent inflammation-driven comorbidities in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Chen
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.C.); (L.V.N.)
| | - Lucy V. Norling
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.C.); (L.V.N.)
- Centre for Inflammation and Therapeutic Innovation, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Dianne Cooper
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (J.C.); (L.V.N.)
- Centre for Inflammation and Therapeutic Innovation, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Correspondence:
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