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Legge A, Hanly JG. Managing premature atherosclerosis in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. CMAJ 2018; 190:E430-E439. [PMID: 29632038 PMCID: PMC5893318 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Legge
- Department of Medicine (Legge); Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology (Hanly), Dalhousie University and Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS
| | - John G Hanly
- Department of Medicine (Legge); Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Pathology (Hanly), Dalhousie University and Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS
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Rahman F, Martin SS, Whelton SP, Mody FV, Vaishnav J, McEvoy JW. Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Case Study of HIV and Inflammatory Joint Disease. Am J Med 2018; 131:442.e1-442.e8. [PMID: 29269230 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epidemiologic data associating infection and inflammation with increased risk of cardiovascular disease is well established. Patients with chronically upregulated inflammatory pathways, such as those with HIV and inflammatory joint diseases, often have a risk of future cardiovascular risk that is similar to or higher than patients with diabetes. Thus, it is of heightened importance for clinicians to consider the cardiovascular risk of patients with these conditions. HIV and inflammatory joint diseases are archetypal examples of how inflammatory disorders contribute to vascular disease and provide illustrative lessons that can be leveraged in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Managing chronic inflammatory diseases calls for a multifaceted approach to evaluation and treatment of suboptimal lifestyle habits, accurate estimation of cardiovascular disease risk with potential upwards recalibration due to chronic inflammation, and more intensive treatment of risk factors because current tools often underestimate the risk in this population. This approach is further supported by the recently published CANTOS trial demonstrating that reducing inflammation can serve as a therapeutic target among persons with residual inflammatory risk for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Rahman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine; Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Seth S Martin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine; Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Seamus P Whelton
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine; Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Freny V Mody
- Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | - John William McEvoy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine; Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
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Wibetoe G, Ikdahl E, Rollefstad S, Olsen IC, Bergsmark K, Kvien TK, Salberg A, Soldal DM, Bakland G, Lexberg Å, Fevang BT, Gulseth HC, Haugeberg G, Semb AG. Discrepancies in risk age and relative risk estimations of cardiovascular disease in patients with inflammatory joint diseases. Int J Cardiol 2018; 252:201-206. [PMID: 29249429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The European guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention advise use of relative risk and risk age algorithms for estimating CVD risk in patients with low estimated absolute risk. Patients with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD) are associated with increased risk of CVD. We aimed to estimate relative risk and risk age across IJD entities and evaluate the agreement between 'cardiovascular risk age' and 'vascular age models'. METHODS Using cross-sectional data from a nationwide project on CVD risk assessment in IJD, risk age estimations were performed in patients with low/moderate absolute risk of fatal CVD. Risk age was calculated according to the cardiovascular risk age and vascular age model, and risk age estimations were compared using regression analysis and calculating percentage of risk age estimations differing ≥5years. RESULTS Relative risk was increased in 53% and 20% had three times or higher risk compared to individuals with optimal CVD risk factor levels. Furthermore, 20-42% had a risk age ≥5years higher than their actual age, according to the specific risk age model. There were only minor differences between IJD entities regarding relative risk and risk age. Discrepancies ≥5years in estimated risk age were observed in 14-43% of patients. The largest observed difference in calculated risk age was 24years. CONCLUSION In patients with low estimated absolute risk, estimation of relative CVD risk and risk age may identify additional patients at need of intensive CVD preventive efforts. However, there is a substantial discrepancy between the risk age models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grunde Wibetoe
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Eirik Ikdahl
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silvia Rollefstad
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge C Olsen
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Bergsmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore K Kvien
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Salberg
- Lillehammer Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Dag M Soldal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Gunnstein Bakland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Åse Lexberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Vestre Viken Hospital, Drammen, Norway
| | - Bjørg-Tilde Fevang
- Department of Rheumatology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Glenn Haugeberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Martina Hansens Hospital, Bærum, Norway
| | - Anne Grete Semb
- Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Goodman SM, Bass AR. Perioperative medical management for patients with RA, SPA, and SLE undergoing total hip and total knee replacement: a narrative review. BMC Rheumatol 2018; 2:2. [PMID: 30886953 PMCID: PMC6390575 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-018-0008-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are widely used, successful procedures for symptomatic end stage arthritis of the hips or knees, but patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and spondyloarthritis (SPA) including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PSA) are at higher risk for adverse events after surgery. Utilization rates of THA and TKA remain high for patients with RA, and rates of arthroplasty have increased for patients with SLE and SPA. However, complications such as infection are increased for patients with SLE, RA, and SPA, most of whom are receiving potent immunosuppressant medications and glucocorticoids at the time of surgery. Patients with SLE and AS are also at increased risk for perioperative cardiac and venous thromboembolism (VTE), while RA patients do not have an increase in perioperative cardiac or VTE risk, despite an overall increase in VTE and cardiac disease. This narrative review will discuss the areas of heightened risk for patients with RA, SLE, and SPA, and the perioperative management strategies currently used to minimize the risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M. Goodman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical School, Division of Rheumatology Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York City, NY 10021 USA
| | - Anne R. Bass
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical School, Division of Rheumatology Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York City, NY 10021 USA
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Shen J, Lam SH, Shang Q, Wong CK, Li EK, Wong P, Kun EW, Cheng IT, Li M, Li TK, Zhu TY, Lee JJW, Chang M, Lee APW, Tam LS. Underestimation of Risk of Carotid Subclinical Atherosclerosis by Cardiovascular Risk Scores in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis. J Rheumatol 2017; 45:218-226. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.170025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To test the performances of established cardiovascular (CV) risk scores in discriminating subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis.Methods.These scores were calculated: Framingham risk score (FRS), QRISK2, Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm (ASCVD) from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)–recommended modified versions (by 1.5 multiplication factor, m-). Carotid intima-media thickness > 0.9 mm and/or the presence of plaque determined by ultrasound were classified as SCA+.Results.We recruited 146 patients [49.4 ± 10.2 yrs, male: 90 (61.6%)], of whom 142/137/128/118 patients were eligible to calculate FRS/QRISK2/SCORE/ASCVD. Further, 62 (42.5%) patients were SCA+ and were significantly older, with higher systolic blood pressure and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all p < 0.05). All CV risk scores were significantly higher in patients with SCA+ [FRS: 7.8 (3.9–16.5) vs 2.7 (1.1–7.8), p < 0.001; QRISK2: 5.5 (3.1–10.2) vs 2.9 (1.2–6.3), p < 0.001; SCORE: 1 (0–2) vs 0 (0–1), p < 0.001; ASCVD: 5.6 (2.6–12.4) vs 3.4 (1.4–6.1), p = 0.001]. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test revealed moderate goodness of fit for the 4 CV scores (p ranged from 0.087 to 0.686). However, of the patients with SCA+, those identified as high risk were only 44.1% (by FRS > 10%), 1.8% (QRISK2 > 20%), 10.9% (SCORE > 5%), and 43.6% (ASCVD > 7.5%). By applying the EULAR multiplication factor, 50.8%/14.3%/14.5%/54.5% of the patients with SCA+ were identified as high risk by m-FRS/m-QRISK2/m-SCORE/m-ASCVD, respectively. EULAR modification increased the sensitivity of FRS and ASCVD in discriminating SCA+ from 44% to 51%, and 44% to 55%, respectively.Conclusion.All CV risk scores underestimated the SCA+ risk. EULAR–recommended modification improved the sensitivity of FRS and ASCVD only to a moderate level.
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Nadali M, Pullerits R, Andersson KME, Silfverswärd ST, Erlandsson MC, Bokarewa MI. High Expression of STAT3 in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Associates with Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112410. [PMID: 29137196 PMCID: PMC5713378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the predominance of female patients and uncommon obesity, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is tightly connected to increased cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate transcriptional activity in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) with respect to this disproportionate cardiovascular risk (CVR) in RA. CVR was estimated in 182 female patients, using the modified Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation scale, and identified 93 patients with increased CVR. The overall transcriptional activity in WAT was significantly higher in patients with CVR and was presented by higher serum levels of WAT products leptin, resistin and IL-6 (all, p < 0.001). CVR was associated with high WAT-specific transcription of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit (RELA), and with high transcription of serine-threonine kinase B (AKT1) in leukocytes. These findings suggest Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and leptin take part in WAT-specific activation of STAT3. The binary logistic regression analysis confirmed an independent association of CVR with IL-6 in serum, and with STAT3 in WAT. The study shows an association of CVR with transcriptional activity in WAT in female RA patients. It also emphasizes the importance of STAT3 regulatory circuits for WAT-related CVR in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Nadali
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institution of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Rheumatology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Rille Pullerits
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institution of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Rheumatology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Karin M E Andersson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institution of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sofia Töyrä Silfverswärd
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institution of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Malin C Erlandsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institution of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Rheumatology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Maria I Bokarewa
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institution of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Rheumatology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Chodara AM, Wattiaux A, Bartels CM. Managing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Updates and Three Strategic Approaches. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2017; 19:16. [PMID: 28361332 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-017-0643-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ᅟ: The increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well known; however, appropriate management of this elevated risk in rheumatology clinics is less clear. PURPOSE OF REVIEW By critically reviewing literature published within the past 5 years, we aim to clarify current knowledge and gaps regarding CVD risk management in RA. RECENT FINDINGS We examine recent guidelines, recommendations, and evidence and discuss three approaches: (1) RA-specific management including treat-to-target and medication management, (2) assessment of comprehensive individual risk, and (3) targeting traditional CVD risk factors (hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity) at a population level. Considering that 75% of US RA visits occur in specialty clinics, further research is needed regarding evidence-based strategies to manage and reduce CVD risk in RA. This review highlights clinical updates including US cardiology and international professional society guidelines, successful evidence-based population approaches from primary care, and novel opportunities in rheumatology care to reduce CVD risk in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Chodara
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aimée Wattiaux
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), 1685 Highland Ave, Rm 4132, 53705-2281, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christie M Bartels
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), 1685 Highland Ave, Rm 4132, 53705-2281, Madison, WI, USA.
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Crowson CS, Gabriel SE, Semb AG, van Riel PLCM, Karpouzas G, Dessein PH, Hitchon C, Pascual-Ramos V, Kitas GD. Rheumatoid arthritis-specific cardiovascular risk scores are not superior to general risk scores: a validation analysis of patients from seven countries. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:1102-1110. [PMID: 28339992 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculators developed for the general population do not accurately predict CVD events in patients with RA. We sought to externally validate risk calculators recommended for use in patients with RA including the EULAR 1.5 multiplier, the Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for RA (ERS-RA) and QRISK2. Methods Seven RA cohorts from UK, Norway, Netherlands, USA, South Africa, Canada and Mexico were combined. Data on baseline CVD risk factors, RA characteristics and CVD outcomes (including myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and cardiovascular death) were collected using standardized definitions. Performance of QRISK2, EULAR multiplier and ERS-RA was compared with other risk calculators [American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), Framingham Adult Treatment Panel III Framingham risk score-Adult Treatment Panel (FRS-ATP) and Reynolds Risk Score] using c-statistics and net reclassification index. Results Among 1796 RA patients without prior CVD [mean ( s . d .) age: 54.0 (14.0) years, 74% female], 100 developed CVD events during a mean follow-up of 6.9 years (12430 person-years). Estimated CVD risk by ERS-RA [mean ( s . d .) 8.8% (9.8%)] was comparable to FRS-ATP [mean ( s . d .) 9.1% (8.3%)] and Reynolds [mean ( s . d .) 9.2% (12.2%)], but lower than ACC/AHA [mean ( s . d .) 9.8% (12.1%)]. QRISK2 substantially overestimated risk [mean ( s . d .) 15.5% (13.9%)]. Discrimination was not improved for ERS-RA (c-statistic = 0.69), QRISK2 or EULAR multiplier applied to ACC/AHA compared with ACC/AHA (c-statistic = 0.72 for all) or for FRS-ATP (c-statistic = 0.75). The net reclassification index for ERS-RA was low (-0.8% vs ACC/AHA and 2.3% vs FRS-ATP). Conclusion The QRISK2, EULAR multiplier and ERS-RA algorithms did not predict CVD risk more accurately in patients with RA than CVD risk calculators developed for the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia S Crowson
- Department of Health Sciences Research and Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Anne Grete Semb
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Preventive Cardio-Rheuma Clinic, Oslo, Norway
| | - Piet L C M van Riel
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - George Karpouzas
- Division of Rheumatology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center RHU, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Patrick H Dessein
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Rheumatology Division, Universitair Ziekenhuis and Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carol Hitchon
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Virginia Pascual-Ramos
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
| | - George D Kitas
- Clinical Research, Unit, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK
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Alemao E, Cawston H, Bourhis F, Al M, Rutten-van Molken M, Liao KP, Solomon DH. Comparison of cardiovascular risk algorithms in patients with vs without rheumatoid arthritis and the role of C-reactive protein in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:777-786. [PMID: 28087832 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aims were to compare the performance of cardiovascular risk calculators, Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and QRISK2, in RA and matched non-RA patients and to evaluate whether their performance could be enhanced by the addition of CRP. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis, using a clinical practice data set linked to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data from the UK. Patients presenting with at least one RA diagnosis code and no prior cardiovascular events were matched to non-RA patients using disease risk scores. The overall performance of the FRS and QRISK2 was compared between cohorts, and assessed with and without CRP in the RA cohort using C-Index, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the net reclassification index (NRI). Results Four thousand seven hundred and eighty RA patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 3.8 years. The C-Index for the FRS in the non-RA and RA cohort was 0.783 and 0.754 (P < 0.001) and that of the QRISK2 was 0.770 and 0.744 (P < 0.001), respectively. Log[CRP] was positively associated with cardiovascular events, but improvements in the FRS and QRISK2 C-Indices as a result of inclusion of CRP were small, from 0.764 to 0.767 (P = 0.026) for FRS and from 0.764 to 0.765 (P = 0.250) for QRISK2. The NRI was 3.2% (95% CI: -2.8, 5.7%) for FRS and -2.0% (95% CI: -5.8, 4.5%) for QRISK2. Conclusion The C-Index for the FRS and QRISK2 was significantly better in the non-RA compared with RA patients. The addition of CRP in both equations was not associated with a significant improvement in reclassification based on NRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evo Alemao
- Worldwide Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Maiwenn Al
- Institute of Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen Rutten-van Molken
- Institute of Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katherine P Liao
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel H Solomon
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Gualtierotti R, Ughi N, Marfia G, Ingegnoli F. Practical Management of Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatol Ther 2017; 4:293-308. [PMID: 28752316 PMCID: PMC5696280 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-017-0068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities are a frequent extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) with accelerated atherosclerosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with RA. Subclinical CVD may be present since the early phase of RA. Not only traditional but also non-traditional CV risk factors are involved in the pathogenesis of RA-related CVD. Due to the lack of specifically designed randomized clinical trials, it is still unclear which tools to use to perform CV risk assessment, how to interpret the results and which interventions are appropriate in RA patients both to prevent and to manage CVD. Based on the available evidence, we propose a practical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gualtierotti
- Division of Rheumatology, ASST Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicola Ughi
- Division of Rheumatology, ASST Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marfia
- Neurosurgery Unit, Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ingegnoli
- Division of Rheumatology, ASST Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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61
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Popa CD. Cardiovascular risk management in rheumatoid arthritis: challenges ahead. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017; 56:1443-1444. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Mavrogeni S, Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Dimitroulas T, Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Kolovou G. Complementary role of cardiovascular imaging and laboratory indices in early detection of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2017; 26:227-236. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203316671810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been documented in >50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, due to a complex interplay between traditional risk factors and SLE-related factors. Various processes, such as coronary artery disease, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, vasculitis, valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, account for CVD complications in SLE. Methods Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography (echo), nuclear techniques, cardiac computed tomography (CT), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac catheterization (CCa) can detect CVD in SLE at an early stage. ECG and echo are the cornerstones of CVD evaluation in SLE. The routine use of cardiac CT and nuclear techniques is limited by radiation exposure and use of iodinated contrast agents. Additionally, nuclear techniques are also limited by low spatial resolution that does not allow detection of sub-endocardial and sub-epicardial lesions. CCa gives definitive information about coronary artery anatomy and pulmonary artery pressure and offers the possibility of interventional therapy. However, it carries the risk of invasive instrumentation. Recently, CMR was proved of great value in the evaluation of cardiac function and the detection of myocardial inflammation, stress-rest perfusion defects and fibrosis. Results An algorithm for CVD evaluation in SLE includes clinical, laboratory, ECG and echo assessment as well as CMR evaluation in patients with inconclusive findings, persistent cardiac symptoms despite normal standard evaluation, new onset of life-threatening arrhythmia/heart failure and/or as a tool to select SLE patients for CCa. Conclusions A non-invasive approach including clinical, laboratory and imaging evaluation is key for early CVD detection in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mavrogeni
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - L Koutsogeorgopoulou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - T Dimitroulas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - G Kolovou
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
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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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Ibáñez-Bosch R, Restrepo-Velez J, Medina-Malone M, Garrido-Courel L, Paniagua-Zudaire I, Loza-Cortina E. High prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic arthritis patients: a study based on carotid ultrasound. Rheumatol Int 2016; 37:107-112. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-016-3617-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Agca R, Heslinga SC, Rollefstad S, Heslinga M, McInnes IB, Peters MJL, Kvien TK, Dougados M, Radner H, Atzeni F, Primdahl J, Södergren A, Wallberg Jonsson S, van Rompay J, Zabalan C, Pedersen TR, Jacobsson L, de Vlam K, Gonzalez-Gay MA, Semb AG, Kitas GD, Smulders YM, Szekanecz Z, Sattar N, Symmons DPM, Nurmohamed MT. EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory joint disorders: 2015/2016 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 76:17-28. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 683] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory joint disorders (IJD) have increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared with the general population. In 2009, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) taskforce recommended screening, identification of CVD risk factors and CVD risk management largely based on expert opinion. In view of substantial new evidence, an update was conducted with the aim of producing CVD risk management recommendations for patients with IJD that now incorporates an increasing evidence base. A multidisciplinary steering committee (representing 13 European countries) comprised 26 members including patient representatives, rheumatologists, cardiologists, internists, epidemiologists, a health professional and fellows. Systematic literature searches were performed and evidence was categorised according to standard guidelines. The evidence was discussed and summarised by the experts in the course of a consensus finding and voting process. Three overarching principles were defined. First, there is a higher risk for CVD in patients with RA, and this may also apply to ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Second, the rheumatologist is responsible for CVD risk management in patients with IJD. Third, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids should be in accordance with treatment-specific recommendations from EULAR and Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society. Ten recommendations were defined, of which one is new and six were changed compared with the 2009 recommendations. Each designated an appropriate evidence support level. The present update extends on the evidence that CVD risk in the whole spectrum of IJD is increased. This underscores the need for CVD risk management in these patients. These recommendations are defined to provide assistance in CVD risk management in IJD, based on expert opinion and scientific evidence.
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Bonek K, Głuszko P. Cardiovascular risk assessment in rheumatoid arthritis - controversies and the new approach. Reumatologia 2016; 54:128-35. [PMID: 27504023 PMCID: PMC4967980 DOI: 10.5114/reum.2016.61214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current methods of cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment in the course of inflammatory connective tissue diseases are a subject of considerable controversy. Comparing different methods of CV risk assessment in current rheumatoid arthritis (RA) guidelines, only a few of them recommend the use of formal risk calculators. These are the EULAR guidelines suggesting the use of SCORE and the British Society for Rheumatology guidelines performed in collaboration with NICE preferring the use of QRISK-2. Analyzing the latest American and British reports, two main concepts could be identified. The first one is to focus on risk calculators developed for the general population taking into account RA, and the calculator that might fulfill this role is the new QRISK-2 presented by NICE in 2014. The second concept is to create RA-specific risk calculators, such as the Expanded Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score for RA. In this review we also discuss the efficiency of a new Pooled Cohort Equation and other calculators in the general and RA population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Bonek
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Głuszko
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
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Fransen J, Kazemi-Bajestani SMR, Bredie SJH, Popa CD. Rheumatoid Arthritis Disadvantages Younger Patients for Cardiovascular Diseases: A Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157360. [PMID: 27310259 PMCID: PMC4911000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. It remains unclear whether the load of RA increases cardiovascular (CV) risk especially in female and in younger RA patients. In the present study we aim to analyse the influence of age and gender on CV risk in RA relative to the general population, using meta-analysis of direct comparative studies. METHOD Systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE for studies reporting on occurrence of CV events in RA as compared to the general population, stratified for gender and/or age. Quality was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was performed on rate ratios using inverse variance methods. RESULTS There were 1372 records screened and 13 studies included. RA females and males have a similar higher risk (95%CI) to develop stroke with RR 1.35 (1.30-1.40) and RR 1.31 (1.21-1.43); coronary artery disease with RR 1.65 (1.54-1.76) versus RR 1.55 ((1.41-1.69) in men; cardiovascular disease with RR 1.56 (1.49-1.62) versus 1.50 (1.41-1.60). The highest incidence of CV events was observed in the youngest patients, RR 2.59 (1.77-3.79), whereas older patients had the lowest relative risk when compared to the general population, RR 1.27 (1.16-1.38). CONCLUSION The relative risk of RA patients for CVD is age dependent, but does not depend on gender: the relative risk on CVD appears to be equally raised for males and females, while relatively young RA patients (<50 years) have the highest, and older patients the lowest relative risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaap Fransen
- Department of Rheumatology Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sebastian J. H. Bredie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Calin D. Popa
- Department of Rheumatology Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Bernhoven Hospital, Uden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Ikdahl E, Rollefstad S, Wibetoe G, Olsen IC, Berg IJ, Hisdal J, Uhlig T, Haugeberg G, Kvien TK, Provan SA, Semb AG. Predictive Value of Arterial Stiffness and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis for Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Rheumatol 2016; 43:1622-30. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.160053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective.We evaluated the predictive value of these vascular biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), augmentation index (AIx), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and carotid plaques (CP). They are often used as risk markers for CVD.Methods.In 2007, 138 patients with RA underwent clinical examination, laboratory tests, blood pressure testing, and vascular biomarker measurements. Occurrence of CVD events was recorded in 2013. Predictive values were assessed in Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank, and crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression analyses.Results.Baseline median age and disease duration was 59.0 years and 17.0 years, respectively, and 76.1% were women. CVD events occurred in 10 patients (7.2%) during a mean followup of 5.4 years. Compared with patients with low aPWV, AIx, cIMT, and without CP, patients with high aPWV (p < 0.001), high AIx (p = 0.04), high cIMT (p = 0.01), and CP (p < 0.005) at baseline experienced more CVD events. In crude Cox PH regression analyses, aPWV (p < 0.001), cIMT (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.01), statin (p = 0.01), and corticosteroid use (p = 0.01) were predictive of CVD events, while AIx was nonsignificant (p = 0.19). The Cox PH regression estimates for vascular biomarkers were not significantly altered when adjusting individually for demographic variables, traditional CVD risk factors, RA disease-related variables, or medication. All patients who developed CVD had CP at baseline.Conclusion.CP, aPWV, and cIMT were predictive of CVD events in this cohort of patients with RA. Future studies are warranted to examine the additive value of arterial stiffness and carotid atherosclerosis markers in CVD risk algorithms. Regional Ethical Committee approval numbers 2009/1582 and 2009/1583.
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Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in rheumatology: Current status and recommendations for use. Int J Cardiol 2016; 217:135-48. [PMID: 27179903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.04.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapies in connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have led to improvements of disease-associated outcomes, but life expectancy remains lower compared to general population due to emerging co-morbidities, particularly due to excess cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a noninvasive imaging technique which can provide detailed information about multiple cardiovascular pathologies without using ionizing radiation. CMR is considered the reference standard for quantitative evaluation of left and right ventricular volumes, mass and function, cardiac tissue characterization and assessment of thoracic vessels; it may also be used for the quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow with high spatial resolution and for the evaluation of the proximal coronary arteries. These applications are of particular interest in CTDs, because of the potential of serious and variable involvement of the cardiovascular system during their course. The International Consensus Group on CMR in Rheumatology was formed in January 2012 aiming to achieve consensus among CMR and rheumatology experts in developing initial recommendations on the current state-of-the-art use of CMR in CTDs. The present report outlines the recommendations of the participating CMR and rheumatology experts with regards to: (a) indications for use of CMR in rheumatoid arthritis, the spondyloarthropathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis of small, medium and large vessels, myositis, sarcoidosis (SRC), and scleroderma (SSc); (b) CMR protocols, terminology for reporting CMR and diagnostic CMR criteria for assessment and quantification of cardiovascular involvement in CTDs; and (c) a research agenda for the further development of this evolving field.
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Lindhardsen J, Kristensen SL, Ahlehoff O. Management of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2016; 16:1-8. [PMID: 26293235 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-015-0141-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
An increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been observed in a range of chronic inflammatory diseases (CID), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The increased risk of CVDs and reduced life expectancy in these conditions has stimulated considerable research and started an ongoing discussion on the need for a multidisciplinary approach and dedicated guidelines on CVD prevention in these patients. In addition, the possibility of inhibiting inflammation as a means to preventing CVD in these patients has gained considerable interest in recent years. We briefly summarize the current level of evidence of the association between CIDs and CVD and cardiovascular risk management recommendations. Perspectives of ongoing and planned trials are discussed in consideration of potential ways to improve primary and secondary CVD prevention in patients with CID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Lindhardsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Slagelse, 4200, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Søren Lund Kristensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Ole Ahlehoff
- Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 7, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Hong J, Maron DJ, Shirai T, Weyand CM. Accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatologic conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 10:365-381. [PMID: 27042216 DOI: 10.2217/ijr.15.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory disease involving aberrant immune and tissue healing responses, which begins with endothelial dysfunction and ends with plaque development, instability and rupture. The increased risk for coronary artery disease in patients with rheumatologic diseases highlights how aberrancy in the innate and adaptive immune system may be central to development of both disease states and that atherosclerosis may be on a spectrum of immune-mediated conditions. Recognition of the tight association between chronic inflammatory disease and complications of atherosclerosis will impact the understanding of underlying pathogenic mechanisms and change diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in patients with rheumatologic syndromes as well as patients with coronary artery disease. In this review, we provide a summary of the role of the immune system in atherosclerosis, discuss the proposed mechanisms of accelerated atherosclerosis seen in association with rheumatologic diseases, evaluate the effect of immunosuppression on atherosclerosis and provide updates on available risk assessment tools, biomarkers and imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jison Hong
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David J Maron
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Shirai
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Cornelia M Weyand
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs) have an increased risk of premature death compared with the general population, mainly because of the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is similar in patients with RA and in those with diabetes mellitus. Pathogenic mechanisms and clinical expression of cardiovascular comorbidities vary greatly between different rheumatic diseases, but atherosclerosis seems to be associated with all IJDs. Traditional risk factors such as age, gender, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, smoking, obesity and diabetes mellitus, together with inflammation, are the main contributors to the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with IJDs. Although cardiovascular risk assessment should be part of routine care in such patients, no disease-specific models are currently available for this purpose. The main pillars of cardiovascular risk reduction are pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as tight control of disease activity.
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