Increased Atherosclerosis in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Hannawi Suad, Haluska Brian, Marwick Thomas H, Thomas Ranjeny
Primary Institution: University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital
Hypothesis
The carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) would be increased in RA patients even at an early stage of RA, related to inflammatory factors associated with RA.
Conclusion
Early RA patients have increased atherosclerotic burden compared with matched control individuals, predicted by age and baseline CRP.
Supporting Evidence
- RA patients had significantly higher average cIMT values than controls.
- CRP levels were associated with age of disease onset and history of smoking.
- Patients with RA exhibited increased prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque.
Takeaway
People with early rheumatoid arthritis have thicker arteries and more plaque than healthy people, which means they might have heart problems sooner.
Methodology
The study measured carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque using ultrasound in 40 RA patients and 40 matched controls.
Limitations
The study was too small to effectively model factors associated with cIMT in early RA.
Participant Demographics
40 RA patients (13 men, 27 women) with a mean age of 53 years, and 40 matched controls (13 men, 27 women) with a mean age of 53 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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