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Liang R, Xu H, Yao R, Pei W, Wang Z, Liang R, Han X, Zhou Y, An Y, Su Y. A predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus based on clinical characteristics. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:1541-1550. [PMID: 38565803 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-06934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially in the development of premature atherosclerosis. Specific prediction models for premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients are still limited. The objective of this study was to establish a predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in SLE. METHOD The study collected clinical and laboratory data from 148 SLE patients under the age of 55, between January 2021 and June 2023. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model was utilized to identify potentially relevant features. Subsequently, a nomogram was developed using multivariable logistic analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated through a receiver-operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS A total of 148 SLE patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study, of whom 53 patients (35.81%) met the definition of premature atherosclerosis. Hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, azathioprine use, duration of glucocorticoid, and age of patients were included in the multivariable regression. The nomogram, based on the non-overfitting multivariable model, was internally validated and demonstrated sufficient clinical utility for assessing the risk of premature atherosclerosis (area under curve: 0.867). CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive nomogram constructed in this study serves as a useful and convenient tool for evaluating the risk of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients. It is helpful for clinicians to early identify SLE patients with premature atherosclerosis and facilitates the implementation of more effective preventive measures. Key Points • SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk. • This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics. • The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Haojie Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ranran Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Wenwen Pei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ziye Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Renge Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yunshan Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yuan An
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Yin Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, China.
- Peking University People's Hospital, Qingdao, China.
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Evangelatos G, Konstantonis G, Tentolouris N, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Arterial stiffness tested by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index for cardiovascular risk stratification in antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1030-1038. [PMID: 37294733 PMCID: PMC10986810 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Arterial stiffness (ArS) has emerged as a predictor of future cardiovascular events in the general population. We aimed to assess ArS in patients with thrombotic APS versus diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy controls (HC) and identify predictors of increased ArS in APS. METHODS ArS was evaluated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index normalized to 75 beats/min (AIx@75) using the SphygmoCor device. Participants also underwent carotid/femoral ultrasound for atherosclerotic plaque detection. We used linear regression to compare ArS measures among groups and assess ArS determinants in the APS group. RESULTS We included 110 patients with APS (70.9% female, mean age 45.4 years), 110 DM patients and 110 HC, all age/sex matched. After adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and plaque presence, APS patients exhibited similar cfPWV [β = -0.142 (95% CI -0.514, 0.230), p = 0.454] but increased AIx@75 [β = 4.525 (95% CI 1.372, 7.677), p = 0.005] compared with HC and lower cfPWV (p < 0.001) but similar AIx@75 (p = 0.193) versus DM patients. In the APS group, cfPWV was independently associated with age [β = 0.056 (95% CI 0.034, 0.078), p < 0.001], mean arterial pressure (MAP) [β = 0.070 (95% CI 0.043, 0.097), p < 0.001], atherosclerotic femoral plaques [β = 0.732 (95% CI 0.053, 1.411), p = 0.035] and anti-β2-glycoprotein I IgM positivity [β = 0.696 (95% CI 0.201, 1.191), p = 0.006]. AIx@75 was associated with age [β = 0.334 (95% CI 0.117, 0.551), p = 0.003], female sex [β = 7.447 (95% CI 2.312, 12.581), p = 0.005] and MAP [β = 0.425 (95% CI 0.187, 0.663), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION APS patients exhibit elevated AIx@75 vs HC and similar to DM patients, indicating enhanced arterial stiffening in APS. Given its prognostic value, ArS evaluation may help to improve cardiovascular risk stratification in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Evangelatos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantonis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Gaspar P, Sciascia S, Tektonidou MG. Epidemiology of antiphospholipid syndrome: macro- and microvascular manifestations. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:SI24-SI36. [PMID: 38320589 PMCID: PMC10846913 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by thrombotic and non-thrombotic macro- and microvascular manifestations and pregnancy complications in the setting of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), namely anticardiolipin antibodies, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies and lupus anticoagulant. Four decades after its first description, APS prevalence and incidence are still not completely understood due to the limited number of well-designed, population-based multi-ethnic studies. Furthermore, despite decades of efforts to standardise aPL immunoassays, considerable intraassay and interlaboratory variances in aPL measures still exist. Large multicentre APS cohorts have shown a 10-year survival of ∼91% and the presence of catastrophic APS occurs in about 1% of the entire population, associated with a 50% mortality rate. Clinically, any organ can be affected in the context of large, medium or small vessel (artery and/or vein) thrombosis. Macrovascular thrombosis is the hallmark of the disease and veins are more frequently affected than arteries. Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism thromboembolic disease is the most common APS manifestation, while stroke and transient ischaemic attack are the most frequent arterial thrombosis events. Myocardial infarction can also occur and contributes to increased mortality in APS. A minority of patients present with thrombosis affecting the intraabdominal organs, including the liver, spleen, small and large bowel, and the kidneys. Microvascular thrombosis, including APS nephropathy, chronic skin ulcers and livedoid vasculopathy represent a diagnostic challenge requiring histologic confirmation. In this narrative review we summarize the available evidence on APS epidemiology, focusing on the description of the prevalence of macro- and microvascular manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Gaspar
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Savino Sciascia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-ReConnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), ASL Città Di Torino and University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, EULAR Centre of Excellence, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Aguirre Del-Pino R, Monahan RC, Huizinga TWJ, Eikenboom J, Steup-Beekman GM. Risk Factors for Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024. [PMID: 38228166 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Persistence of serum antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) is associated with a high thrombotic risk, both arterial and venous, and with pregnancy complications. Due to the potential morbidity and mortality associated with the presence of aPL, identifying and recognizing risk factors for the development of aPL and thrombosis in aPL carriers may help to prevent and reduce the burden of disease. Multiple elements are involved in the pathomechanism of aPL development and aPL-related thrombosis such as genetics, malignancy, and infections. This review will address the role of both well-known risk factors and their evolution, and of emerging risk factors, including COVID-19, in the development of aPL and thrombosis in aPL carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Aguirre Del-Pino
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Division of Rheumatology, A Coruña University Hospital (CHUAC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Rory C Monahan
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Eikenboom
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda M Steup-Beekman
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Taghavi M, Jabrane A, Jacobs L, Mesquita MDCF, Demulder A, Nortier J. Antiphospholipid Antibodies Associated with Native Arteriovenous Fistula Complications in Hemodialysis Patients: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38247565 PMCID: PMC10801604 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-persistent positivity is frequent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) complications such as stenosis and thrombosis are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. The association between aPL positivity and AVF thrombosis seems to now be well established. However, whether aPL positivity is associated with other AVF complications, such as maturation failure or stenosis, is not well known. Given the significant impact of AVF failure on patient's prognosis, it is of interest to further investigate this particular point in order to improve prevention, surveillance and treatment, and, ultimately, the patient's outcome. This literature review aims to report the recent literature on aPL-associated native AVF complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Taghavi
- Nephrology and Dialysis Department, Brugmann University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1020 Brussels, Belgium; (A.J.); (L.J.); (M.D.C.F.M.); (J.N.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Abla Jabrane
- Nephrology and Dialysis Department, Brugmann University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1020 Brussels, Belgium; (A.J.); (L.J.); (M.D.C.F.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Lucas Jacobs
- Nephrology and Dialysis Department, Brugmann University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1020 Brussels, Belgium; (A.J.); (L.J.); (M.D.C.F.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Maria Do Carmo Filomena Mesquita
- Nephrology and Dialysis Department, Brugmann University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1020 Brussels, Belgium; (A.J.); (L.J.); (M.D.C.F.M.); (J.N.)
| | - Anne Demulder
- Laboratory of Hematology and Haemostasis LHUB-ULB, Brugmann University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1020 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Joëlle Nortier
- Nephrology and Dialysis Department, Brugmann University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1020 Brussels, Belgium; (A.J.); (L.J.); (M.D.C.F.M.); (J.N.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Karakasis P, Patoulias D, Stachteas P, Lefkou E, Dimitroulas T, Fragakis N. Accelerated Atherosclerosis and Management of Cardiovascular Risk in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: An Updated Review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101999. [PMID: 37506959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Even though diagnosis and management pathways have been substantially improved over the last years, autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic vasculitides have been linked to elevated rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, primarily secondary to accelerated atherosclerosis. This phenomenon can be partially attributed to the presence of established cardiovascular risk factors but may also be a result of other inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms that are enhanced in AIRDs. According to the current guidelines, the recommendations regarding cardiovascular disease prevention in patients with AIRDs are not significantly different from those applied to the general population. Herein, we present a review of the current literature on the risk of accelerated atherosclerosis in AIRDs and provide a summary of available recommendations for the management of cardiovascular risk in rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Karakasis
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios Patoulias
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Outpatient Department of Cardiometabolic Medicine, Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Second Department of Internal Medicine, European Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Stachteas
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Lefkou
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Perigenesis, Institute of Obstetric Haematology, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece; Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Fragakis
- Second Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Hippokration," Thessaloniki, Greece
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Drosos GC, Konstantonis G, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: a cross-sectional performance analysis of nine clinical risk prediction tools. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003601. [PMID: 38016710 PMCID: PMC10685980 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the performance of cardiovascular risk (CVR) prediction models reported by European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology and European Society of Cardiology recommendations to identify high-atherosclerotic CVR (ASCVR) patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS Six models predicting the risk of a first cardiovascular disease event (first-CVD) (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE); modified-SCORE; Framingham risk score; Pooled Cohorts Risk Equation; Prospective Cardiovascular Münster calculator; Globorisk), three risk prediction models for patients with a history of prior arterial events (recurrent-CVD) (adjusted Global APS Score (aGAPSS); aGAPSSCVD; Secondary Manifestations of Arterial Disease (SMART)) and carotid/femoral artery vascular ultrasound (VUS) were used to assess ASCVR in 121 APS patients (mean age: 45.8±11.8 years; women: 68.6%). We cross-sectionally examined the calibration, discrimination and classification accuracy of all prediction models to identify high ASCVR due to VUS-detected atherosclerotic plaques, and risk reclassification of patients classified as non high-risk according to first-CVD/recurrent-CVD tools to actual high risk based on VUS. RESULTS Spiegelhalter's z-test p values 0.47-0.57, area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUROC) 0.56-0.75 and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) 0.01-0.35 indicated moderate calibration, poor-to-acceptable discrimination and negligible-to-moderate classification accuracy, respectively, for all risk models. Among recurrent-CVD tools, SMART and aGAPSSCVD (for non-triple antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients) performed better (z/AUROC/MCC: 0.47/0.64/0.29 and 0.52/0.69/0.29, respectively) than aGAPSS. VUS reclassified 34.2%-47.9% and 40.5%-52.6% of patients classified as non-high-ASCVR by first-CVD and recurrent-CVD prediction models, respectively. In patients aged 40-54 years, >40% VUS-guided reclassification was observed for first-CVD risk tools and >50% for recurrent-CVD prediction models. CONCLUSION Clinical CVR prediction tools underestimate actual high ASCVR in APS. VUS may help to improve CVR assessment and optimal risk factor management.
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Affiliation(s)
- George C Drosos
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantonis
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Cardiovascular Risk Research Laboratory, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Andrade D, Tektonidou MG. Assessing disease activity and damage in antiphospholipid syndrome. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109727. [PMID: 37558149 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been characterized by a variety of vascular and pregnancy manifestations related to an interplay between thrombotic and inflammatory mechanisms, a progressive accrual of irreversible organ damage and increased morbidity and mortality rates, supporting a high need of optimal treatment approach. The lack of standardized outcome measures is a significant barrier in the design of clinical studies in APS. Disease activity (in principle reversible) and its distinction from disease damage (in principle irreversible) needs to be evaluated by validated scores for use in clinical trials but also in daily clinical practice in APS. A disease damage score in APS, the DIAPS score, has been developed and validated in external cohorts. The development of a disease activity score that will provide an accurate and reproducible rating of each disease domain, can help clinicians and researchers to comprehensively assess the activity of disease and the response to treatment, in an attempt to prevent future damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danieli Andrade
- Rheumatology Department, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Karakasis P, Lefkou E, Pamporis K, Nevras V, Bougioukas KI, Haidich AB, Fragakis N. Risk of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Subjects With Antiphospholipid Antibody Positivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:101672. [PMID: 36841314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the guidelines for the prevention of atherosclerosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) do not differ substantially from those in the general population. We aimed to assess the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with APS and subjects with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity. Systematic literature search was conducted through Medline and Scopus until January 2023. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to examine the differences in markers of subclinical atherosclerosis between APS patients, subjects positive for aPLs and healthy controls. Patients with APS had significantly higher values of common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) (MD = 0.07 mm; P < 0.0001), internal carotid artery IMT (MD = 0.06 mm; P < 0.01), carotid bifurcation IMT (MD = 0.14 mm; P < 0.01) and were more frequently diagnosed with atherosclerotic plaques compared to controls (OR = 3.73; P < 0.01). Similarly, APS patients showed a decreased flow and nitrate-mediated dilation (MD = -4.52 %; <0.01, MD = -1.25 %; P < 0.05, respectively). Interestingly, comparable were the results for subjects with aPL positivity, who had higher CCA-IMT (MD = 0.06 mm; P < 0.01) and higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques (OR = 2.59; P = 0.08) compared to controls. Sensitivity analysis conducted on primary APS patients revealed that the risk of atherosclerosis is associated with APS per se and is not exclusively driven by other underlying conditions. Patients with APS and subjects with aPLs have an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis and require early and disease-specific prevention of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paschalis Karakasis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Elmina Lefkou
- Perigenesis, Institute of Obstetric Haematology, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Pamporis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasileios Nevras
- Cardiology Department, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Bougioukas
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna-Bettina Haidich
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine & Medical Statistics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Fragakis
- Second Cardiology Department, Hippokrateion General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Bolla E, Tentolouris N, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. Metabolic syndrome in antiphospholipid syndrome versus rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus: Association with arterial thrombosis, cardiovascular risk biomarkers, physical activity, and coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1077166. [PMID: 36700208 PMCID: PMC9868803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1077166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the foremost cause of morbidity and deaths in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), driven by thrombo-inflammation and atherothrombosis mechanisms. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state characterized by increased CVD risk. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MetS in APS patients compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associations with clinical and laboratory patient characteristics and vascular ultrasound (US) markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods We included 414 patients in our study: 138 patients with APS (median age: 44.9 years, females 70%) and matched 1:1 for age and sex RA and DM subjects. Three sets of criteria were used for MetS diagnosis: Joint Interim Statement (JIS), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII). The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of all participants were recorded and carotid and femoral US was performed in patients with APS. Multivariate regression models were applied. Results Prevalence of MetS was 23.9%, 23.2%, 20.3% (based on JIS, IDF, modified NCEP-ATPIII criteria, respectively) in APS versus 17.4%, 17.4%, 13% in RA (p=0.181, p=0.231, p=0.106, respectively), and 44.2%, 44.2%, 40.6% in DM patients. In multivariate analysis, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus- related APS had an approximately 2.5-fold higher risk of MetS versus RA patients. MetS in APS was independently associated with arterial thrombosis (Odds ratio 3.5, p=0.030). Odds ratio for MetS was 1.16 for each one unit increase in C-reactive protein levels according to JIS and IDF criteria, and 1.49 and 1.47 for each one unit increase in uric acid levels using the IDF and modified NCEP-ATPIII models, respectively. APS patients with atherosclerotic carotid plaques had 4 to 6.5-fold increased risk of MetS. Odds for MetS were decreased by 26% with an increase in physical activity by one hour per week. Conclusions MetS is present in approximately one-fourth of APS patients at a comparable prevalence to that observed in patients with RA. MetS in APS is associated with arterial thrombosis, cardiovascular risk biomarkers, physical activity, and subclinical atherosclerosis, supporting its role in cardiovascular risk stratification and management in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleana Bolla
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P. Sfikakis
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G. Tektonidou
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece,*Correspondence: Maria G. Tektonidou, ;
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Tektonidou MG. Cardiovascular disease risk in antiphospholipid syndrome: Thrombo-inflammation and atherothrombosis. J Autoimmun 2022; 128:102813. [PMID: 35247655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-beta2glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies) and a plethora of macro- and micro-vascular manifestations, affecting predominantly young adults. Cardiovascular events are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in APS. APL-mediated thrombo-inflammation and atherothrombosis are emerging pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in APS, involving endothelial cell and monocyte activation, cytokines and adhesion molecules expression, complement and neutrophils activation, neutrophil extracellular traps formation, platelet cell activation and aggregation, and subsequent thrombin generation, in parallel with an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-β2GPI complex induced macrophage differentiation to foam cells. High risk aPL profile, especially the presence of lupus anticoagulant and triple aPL positivity (all three aPL subtypes), co-existence with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), as well as traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, hyperlipemia and obesity are associated with both subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in APS. Increased awareness of CVD risk by the physicians and patients, regular assessment and strict control of traditional risk factors, and lifestyle modifications are recommended. Use of low-dose aspirin should be considered for cardiovascular prevention in asymptomatic aPL carriers or SLE patients with high-risk aPL profile. The role of older agents such as hydroxychloroquine and statins or new potential targeted treatments against immuno- and athero-thrombosis has been demonstrated by experimental and some clinical studies and needs to be further evaluated by randomized controlled studies. This review summarizes the available evidence about the pathogenetic mechanisms and prevalence of cardiovascular events and subclinical atherosclerosis, the interrelationship between traditional and disease-related CVD risk factors, and the cardiovascular risk assessment and management in APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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