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Kaleta K, Krupa J, Suchy W, Sopel A, Korkosz M, Nowakowski J. Endothelial dysfunction and risk factors for atherosclerosis in psoriatic arthritis: overview and comparison with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:1587-1606. [PMID: 38522049 PMCID: PMC11343792 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is defined as an impairment in the vasodilatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties of the cells that make up the lining of blood vessels. ED is considered a key step in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The association between ED and systemic inflammatory diseases is well established. However, the prevalence and clinical significance of ED in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been investigated to a lesser extent. This review aims to explore the link between ED and PsA, including ED in macro- and microcirculation, as well as risk factors for its occurrence in PsA and its relationship with atherosclerosis in PsA. Furthermore, the ED in PsA was compared with that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Regarding ED in the microcirculation, the coronary flow reserve was found to be significantly reduced in individuals with PsA. The relationship between PsA and macrovascular ED is more pronounced, along with more advanced atherosclerosis detected in patients with PsA. These results are consistent with those obtained in RA studies. On the other hand, arterial stiffness and signs of vascular remodeling were found more frequently in RA than in PsA, with the potential role of efficient anti-TNF treatment in patients with PsA and psoriasis explaining this finding. The impact of ED on cardiovascular diseases and the burden of this risk caused independently by PsA have not yet been precisely established, however, this group of patients requires special attention with regard to cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Kaleta
- Students' Scientific Group at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Julia Krupa
- Students' Scientific Group at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Suchy
- Students' Scientific Group at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Sopel
- Students' Scientific Group at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mariusz Korkosz
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jarosław Nowakowski
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
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Gavriilaki E, Lazaridis A, Anyfanti P, Yiannaki E, Dolgyras P, Nikolaidou B, Vasileiadis I, Alexandrou ME, Margouta A, Markala D, Zarifis I, Sarafidis P, Doumas M, Gkaliagkousi E. Circulating microvesicles across a population with various degree of cardiovascular burden are associated with systolic blood pressure. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:1105-1111. [PMID: 37612421 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-023-00854-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Circulating microvesicles (MVs) have been studied in heterogeneous, divergent, and rather small patient populations with cardiovascular risk . Therefore, we measured endothelial (EMVs), platelet (PMVs) and erythrocyte (RMVs) MVs in patients with divergent cardiovascular risk. We then compared them to coronary artery disease (CAD) and healthy subjects and identified independent MVs' predictors. We enrolled consecutive patients from our Cardiology, Hypertension, Diabetic, Rheumatic, and Nephrology Outpatient Units with MVs measurements. Central blood pressure (BP) was measured by either applanation tonometry or Mobil-O-graph device, while MVs by a standardized flow cytometry protocol. We studied 369 participants with increased cardiovascular risk: 63 with high cardiovascular risk (47 diabetes mellitus type II/DM and 16 end-stage renal disease/ESRD), 92 with chronic inflammatory disorders and 73 with untreated essential hypertension/UEH. We further included 53 subjects with CAD and 87 otherwise healthy individuals. All MVs were lower in patients with increased cardiovascular risk compared to CAD, showing predictive value with high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, PMVs and EMVs were increased in patients with cardiovascular risk compared to healthy individuals. DM and ESRD patients had increased EMVs versus UEH and chronic inflammatory disorders. In the whole study population, RMVs were associated only with history of essential hypertension. In multivariate analysis, systolic BP predicted PMVs. Aage, systolic BP, and DM predicted EMVs. In a large population of patients with divergent cardiovascular risk, MVs are independently associated with systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Gavriilaki
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonios Lazaridis
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Anyfanti
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efthalia Yiannaki
- Hematology Laboratory, Theagenion Cancer Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Dolgyras
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Barbara Nikolaidou
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Maria Eleni Alexandrou
- Department of Nephrology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Margouta
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Markala
- Hematology Laboratory, Theagenion Cancer Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Zarifis
- Cardiology Department, G Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panteleimon Sarafidis
- Department of Nephrology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michail Doumas
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Angeloudi E, Anyfanti P, Dara A, Pagkopoulou E, Bekiari E, Sgouropoulou V, Garyfallos A, Doumas M, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Peripheral nailfold capillary microscopic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis are associated with arterial stiffness: Results from a cross-sectional study. Microvasc Res 2023; 150:104576. [PMID: 37414357 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104576] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular injury eventually resulting in the establishment of cardiovascular disease is a serious complication in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is a non-invasive imaging modality that enables the quantitative and qualitative assessment of the peripheral microvasculature. Nevertheless, capillaroscopic patterns remain inadequately defined in RA, especially regarding their clinical significance as potential markers of systemic vascular impairment. Consecutive RA patients underwent NVC using a standardized protocol, to assess the following parameters: capillary density, avascular areas, capillary dimensions, microhemorrhages, subpapillary venous plexus, and presence of ramified, bushy, crossed and tortuous capillaries. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse pressure were measured as well-acknowledged markers of large artery stiffening. The vast majority of our cohort (n = 44) presented a combination of non-specific and abnormal capillaroscopic parameters. Capillary ramification was associated with both PWV and pulse pressure, even after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and systemic inflammation. Our study highlights the high prevalence of a wide range of capillaroscopic deviations from the normal patterns in RA. Furthermore, it provides for the first time evidence of an association between structural disorders of the microcirculation and markers of macrovascular dysfunction, suggesting that NVC might have a role as an index of generalised vascular impairment in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Angeloudi
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasia Dara
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Pagkopoulou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Sgouropoulou
- 1st Department of Paediatrics, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Doumas
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK; School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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4
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Triantafyllou A, Anyfanti P, Koletsos N, Malliora A, Lamprou S, Dipla K, Gkaliagkousi E. Clinical Significance of Altered Vascular Morphology and Function in Normotension. Curr Hypertens Rep 2023; 25:287-297. [PMID: 37392357 PMCID: PMC10505095 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review current literature examining the presence of subclinical micro- and macrovascular alterations in normotensive individuals and their clinical significance in terms of hypertension prediction. Emphasis is placed on alterations that can be detected in peripheral vascular beds using non-invasive, easily applicable methodology, as these are in general easier to capture and evaluate in clinical practice compared to more complex invasive or functional tests. RECENT FINDINGS Arterial stiffness, increased carotid intima-media thickness, and altered retinal microvascular diameters predict the progression from the normotensive to the hypertensive state. By contrast, there is substantial lack of relevant prospective studies for skin microvascular alterations. Although conclusions regarding causality cannot be safely deduced from available studies, detection of morphological and functional vascular alterations in normotensive individuals emerges as a sensitive indicator of progression to hypertension and hence increased CVD risk. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that early detection of subclinical micro- and macrovascular alterations would be clinically useful for the early identification of individuals at high risk for future hypertension onset. Methodological issues and gaps in knowledge need to be addressed before detection of such changes could guide the development of strategies to prevent new-onset hypertension in normotensive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Triantafyllou
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56429, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - P Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - N Koletsos
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56429, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Malliora
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56429, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Lamprou
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56429, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - K Dipla
- Physiology & Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Sport Sciences at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62100, Serres, Greece
| | - E Gkaliagkousi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56429, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Mengozzi A, de Ciuceis C, Dell'oro R, Georgiopoulos G, Lazaridis A, Nosalski R, Pavlidis G, Tual-Chalot S, Agabiti-Rosei C, Anyfanti P, Camargo LL, Dąbrowska E, Quarti-Trevano F, Hellmann M, Masi S, Mavraganis G, Montezano AC, Rios FJ, Winklewski PJ, Wolf J, Costantino S, Gkaliagkousi E, Grassi G, Guzik TJ, Ikonomidis I, Narkiewicz K, Paneni F, Rizzoni D, Stamatelopoulos K, Stellos K, Taddei S, Touyz RM, Triantafyllou A, Virdis A. The importance of microvascular inflammation in ageing and age-related diseases: a position paper from the ESH working group on small arteries, section of microvascular inflammation. J Hypertens 2023; 41:1521-1543. [PMID: 37382158 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microcirculation is pervasive and orchestrates a profound regulatory cross-talk with the surrounding tissue and organs. Similarly, it is one of the earliest biological systems targeted by environmental stressors and consequently involved in the development and progression of ageing and age-related disease. Microvascular dysfunction, if not targeted, leads to a steady derangement of the phenotype, which cumulates comorbidities and eventually results in a nonrescuable, very high-cardiovascular risk. Along the broad spectrum of pathologies, both shared and distinct molecular pathways and pathophysiological alteration are involved in the disruption of microvascular homeostasis, all pointing to microvascular inflammation as the putative primary culprit. This position paper explores the presence and the detrimental contribution of microvascular inflammation across the whole spectrum of chronic age-related diseases, which characterise the 21st-century healthcare landscape. The manuscript aims to strongly affirm the centrality of microvascular inflammation by recapitulating the current evidence and providing a clear synoptic view of the whole cardiometabolic derangement. Indeed, there is an urgent need for further mechanistic exploration to identify clear, very early or disease-specific molecular targets to provide an effective therapeutic strategy against the otherwise unstoppable rising prevalence of age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mengozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa
| | - Carolina de Ciuceis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia
| | - Raffaella Dell'oro
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Antonios Lazaridis
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ryszard Nosalski
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences; Queen's Medical Research Institute; University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - George Pavlidis
- Preventive Cardiology Laboratory and Clinic of Cardiometabolic Diseases, 2 Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Athens
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Simon Tual-Chalot
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Livia L Camargo
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Edyta Dąbrowska
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine
- Center of Translational Medicine
| | - Fosca Quarti-Trevano
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marcin Hellmann
- Department of Cardiac Diagnostics, Medical University, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Stefano Masi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Georgios Mavraganis
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francesco J Rios
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Jacek Wolf
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine
| | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich
| | - Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Guido Grassi
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences; Queen's Medical Research Institute; University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ignatios Ikonomidis
- Preventive Cardiology Laboratory and Clinic of Cardiometabolic Diseases, 2 Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Athens
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | | | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Damiano Rizzoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia
- Division of Medicine, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Montichiari, Brescia, Italy
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, DZHK), Heidelberg/Mannheim Partner Site
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Manheim, Germany
| | - Stefano Taddei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Areti Triantafyllou
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Agostino Virdis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Anghel D, Sîrbu CA, Petrache OG, Opriș-Belinski D, Negru MM, Bojincă VC, Pleșa CF, Ioniță Radu F. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthropathy on ANTI-TNF-ALPHA Therapy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2079. [PMID: 37370974 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13122079] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Videocapillaroscopy is a simple, non-invasive investigation that allows the "in vivo" study of the nailfold capillaries. This method is inexpensive, easily accepted by patients and the results can be easily interpreted. It is mainly used in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis, but this examination can also be performed on patients who are suspected of having microcirculation alterations, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It may aid in the diagnosis, evaluation and prognosis of other rheumatic diseases, besides systemic sclerosis. The aim of this study is to identify the nailfold videocapillaroscopic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis patients and analyze the correlation between their evolution and 12 months of anti-TNF-α therapy. The abnormal capillaroscopic findings comprised widened, dilated or giant capillaries and the distortion of the normal nailfold architecture, avascular areas, hemorrhages and neoangiogenesis. Overall, capillary density, dilated capillaries, giant capillaries, elongated capillaries and angiogenesis significantly improved after 12 months. Moreover, no avascular areas were found after 12 months of anti-TNF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Anghel
- Department of Internal Medicine, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Medico Surgical and Prophylactic Disciplines, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Adella Sîrbu
- Department of Neurology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurology, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana-Georgiana Petrache
- Department of Neurology, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Opriș-Belinski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Rheumatology, 'Sf. Maria' Clinical Hospital, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Magdalena Negru
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, 'Sf. Maria' Clinical Hospital, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Violeta-Claudia Bojincă
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine, 'Sf. Maria' Clinical Hospital, 011172 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Florentina Pleșa
- Department of Neurology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Ioniță Radu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Gastroenterology, 'Dr. Carol Davila' Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
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7
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Rosei CA, Gaggero A, Famà F, Malerba P, Chiarini G, Nardin M, Brami V, Rossini C, Coschignano MA, Porteri E, Salvetti M, Muiesan ML, Rizzoni D, De Ciuceis C. Skin capillary alterations in patients with acute SarsCoV2 infection. J Hypertens 2022; 40:2385-2393. [PMID: 35983856 PMCID: PMC9640263 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003271] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute SarsCov2 infection is associated with endothelial dysfunction and 'endothelitis', which might explain systemic microvascular impairment. The presence of endothelial damage may promote vasoconstriction with organ ischemia, inflammation, tissue oedema and a procoagulant state resulting in an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Microvascular thrombosis has been demonstrated in postmortem autopsy of COVID-19 patients; however, few data are available about skin capillary alterations in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated skin microvascular alteration in 22 patients admitted to our hospital with SarsCov2 infection. Capillary density was evaluated by capillaroscopy in the nailfold and the dorsum of the finger in the acute phase of the disease. Capillaroscopy was repeated after 3 months (recovery phase). In addition, blood chemistry parameters and inflammatory markers were obtained during acute infection and at the recovery after 3 months. RESULTS Patients with COVID-19 showed skin microvascular complications, such as thrombosis, microhaemorrhages and neoangiogenesis, which were not detected after 3 months from the discharge. A significant reduction of capillary density in the dorsum was observed after 3 months from the acute infection (97.2 ± 5.3 vs. 75.81 ± 3.9 n/mm 2P < 0.05). A significant inverse correlation between C-reactive protein and capillary density was observed in patients with acute SarsCov2 infection ( r = 0.44, P < 0.05). Conversely a direct correlation between capillary density during the acute phase and lymphocyte number was detected ( r = 0.49, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This is the first in-vivo evidence of skin capillary thrombosis, microhaemorrhages and angiogenesis in patients with acute SarsCov2 infection, which disappeared after 3 months, supporting the presence of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Capillary alterations might reflect systemic vascular effects of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Agabiti Rosei
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Andrea Gaggero
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Francesca Famà
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Paolo Malerba
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Giulia Chiarini
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Matteo Nardin
- Third Division of Medicine, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia
| | - Valeria Brami
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Claudia Rossini
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | | | - Enzo Porteri
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Massimo Salvetti
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Maria Lorenza Muiesan
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Damiano Rizzoni
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
- Division of Medicine, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Montichiari, Italy
| | - Carolina De Ciuceis
- Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
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Blunted Microvascular Reactivity in Psoriasis Patients in the Absence of Cardiovascular Disease, as Assessed by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111796. [PMID: 36362951 PMCID: PMC9693319 DOI: 10.3390/life12111796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is associated with accelerated rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) is a novel, non-interventional technique for the dynamic assessment of microvascular endothelial dysfunction, which represents an early precursor of CVD. We investigated whether skin microvascular reactivity is impaired in psoriasis and whether an association exists with large artery stiffening. Skin microvascular reactivity was assessed with LSCI combined with post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia protocol in psoriasis patients and controls in the absence of established CVD. Arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics were assessed throughout a whole 24 h period with the Mobil-O-Graph device. Most LSCI indices of microvascular reactivity were impaired in psoriasis patients (n = 90) compared to controls (n = 45) [baseline flux; occlusion flux; peak-to-baseline magnitude; baseline cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC); percentage increase in CVC, p < 0.001 for all comparisons]. In multivariate analysis, psoriatic disease predicted the above markers independently of classical CVD risk factors. Augmentation index, peripheral pulse pressure, and central systolic/diastolic blood pressure correlated with LSCI microvascular responses in the study population (n = 135). Pulse wave velocity significantly correlated with nearly all LSCI parameters, while the association with baseline flux was independent of CVD risk factors and psoriatic disease in multivariate analysis (beta = 0.096, p = 0.039). This study provides evidence of altered skin microvascular responses in psoriasis by use of LSCI, and interaction with macrovascular dysfunction, before the establishment of overt CVD. A non-interventional approach of skin microcirculation with LSCI might be used as an early indicator of vascular health in psoriasis.
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Anyfanti P, Angeloudi E, Dara A, Arvanitaki A, Bekiari E, Kitas GD, Dimitroulas T. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy for the Evaluation of Peripheral Microangiopathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081167. [PMID: 36013346 PMCID: PMC9410266 DOI: 10.3390/life12081167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and refractory autoimmune joint disease that affects multiple organs. Several methods have been applied for the study of microvascular endothelial dysfunction, which is considered an important component of vascular disease in RA. Implementation of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) represents a viable choice, as the skin is an easily accessible window for the non-invasive, real-time assessment of subtle microcirculation abnormalities. Although NVC is routinely used in the rheumatology field, especially for the diagnostic workout of Raynaud’s phenomenon, accumulating evidence suggests a role in the evaluation of systemic vasculopathy associated with autoimmune rheumatic disorders. The current paper aims to provide an overview of NVC as a valuable clinical aid for the assessment of peripheral microcirculation in RA. Previous studies characterizing the capillaroscopic pattern in RA are summarized, along with associations with disease-related characteristics. Most available reports have mainly focused on the descriptions of non-specific morphological alterations that may reflect endothelial injury over the course of the disease. Still, the exact pattern of structural and functional capillaroscopic alterations and their clinical significance in RA remains a subject of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Angeloudi
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - Athanasia Dara
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
| | - Alexandra Arvanitaki
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
- First Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.A.); (E.B.)
| | - George D. Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley DY1 2HQ, UK;
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.D.); (A.A.); (T.D.)
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Dimitroulas T, Anyfanti P, Bekiari E, Angeloudi E, Pagkopoulou E, Kitas G. Arterial stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis: Current knowledge and future perspectivess. INDIAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/injr.injr_254_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Anyfanti P, Dara A, Angeloudi E, Bekiari E, Dimitroulas T, Kitas GD. Monitoring and Managing Cardiovascular Risk in Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:6893-6906. [PMID: 34934338 PMCID: PMC8684400 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s276986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is common in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and it is predominately attributed to the interplay between chronic inflammation and traditional CVD risk factors. CVD has significant impact on the survival of patients with IMIDs as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite recommendations for monitoring and managing CVD in patients with IMIDs, the individual CVD risk assessment remains problematic as CVD risk calculators for the general population consistently underestimate the risk in patients with IMIDs. Application of new technologies utilizing artificial intelligence techniques have shown promising potential for tailoring predictive medicine to the individual patient, but further validation of their role in clinical decision-making is warranted. In the meantime, individuals with IMIDs should be encouraged to adopt behavioral interventions targeting at modifiable lifestyle CVD risk factors, whereas rheumatologists need to be well aware of the unfavorable effects of antirheumatic medication on various CVD risk factors and outcomes. In the current paper, we aim to provide an overview of current and emerging strategies for mitigating CVD risk in patients with IMIDs, based on a practical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasia Dara
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elena Angeloudi
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George D Kitas
- Department of Rheumatology, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK.,School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Nailfold capillaroscopy in systemic diseases: short overview for internal medicine. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MÉDECINE INTERNE 2021; 59:201-217. [PMID: 33600677 DOI: 10.2478/rjim-2021-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is now one of the main imaging tools in systemic sclerosis and imposed over time as an easy, non-invasive method for the nailfold microvascular bed assessment. In qualitative NFC normal pattern is characterized by homogeneous, parallel fashion arrangement of the last capillaries row as well as by capillaries with hairpin or non-specific variations like tortuous and/ or crossing shape. Nailfold capillaroscopy is strongly recommended for evaluation of all patients with Raynaud phenomenon. Appearance of giant capillaries is chronologically the first relevant finding for scleroderma spectrum disorders development (systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease). Collapses of the giant loops generate microhemorrhages and further capillary loss with subsequent hypoxia, and neoangiogenesis seen as ramified/ bushy capillaries. Nailfold capillaroscopy is indicated especially in systemic sclerosis, being also included in the classification criteria. Based on these major NFC pathologic findings (giant capillaries, microhemorrhages, avascularity and neoangiogenesis), three evolutive stages were described in systemic sclerosis, namely the early, active, and late scleroderma pattern. In other connective tissue diseases than those scleroderma-related, like systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, or antiphospholipid syndrome, the interest for capillaroscopy is growing, but the attempts of defining specific characteristics failed until now. Besides qualitative NFC, semiquantitative and quantitative capillaroscopic assessments were proposed for more accurate evaluation. Lately, automated systems are under development. There is still need of more studies to sustain the nailfold capillaroscopy validity as diagnostic and prognostic test.
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Iacono P, Da Pozzo S, Bedendo A, Arrigo A, Parravano M, Varano M, Battaglia Parodi M. OCT retinal angiography features in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A pilot study. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021; 32:2433-2439. [PMID: 34313159 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211035626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the superficial (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) by mean of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in treatment-naïve patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Between March 2019 and January 2020, patients with recent diagnosis of "definite RA" based on 2010 Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification Criteria were included in a Prospective, observational single center case-control study carried out at G.B. Bietti Foundation. Data were compared with those of 16 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. Values of the vessel density (VD) of SCP and DCP, central foveal thickness (CFT), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were collected by mean of OCTA. Main outcome measure was the VD alteration of SCP and DCP in treatment-naïve RA-patients. RESULTS No difference in age, sex-distribution, best-corrected visual acuity, CFT was registered between the two groups. OCTA data analysis showed in RA-patients a statistically significant reduction in the VD in the mean global area, inner ring, especially in the superior quadrant of the SCP. A trend of VD reduction was also registered in temporal, nasal, and inferior quadrants, respectively, although it did not reach a statistically significant value. Assessment of VD of DCP and FAZ area did not evidence any difference among the groups. CONCLUSIONS OCTA allows to highlight the vascular remodeling of the retinal microcirculation in RA-patients, even in early stages of the disease, demonstrating a reduction of VD. Outcomes of the current investigation can provide new insight in the pathogenetic mechanism of RA and extend the potential applications of this diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alessandro Arrigo
- Ophthalmology Department, San Raffaele University Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Patients with autoimmune chronic inflammatory diseases present increased biomarkers of thromboinflammation and endothelial dysfunction in the absence of flares and cardiovascular comorbidities. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2021; 53:10-16. [PMID: 34224067 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-021-02517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular risk is increased in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Endothelial, erythrocyte and platelet microvesicles (MVs) are elevated in patients with cardiovascular diseases and represent novel markers of endothelial dysfunction and thromboinflammation. We tested whether their levels are increased in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) in the absence of disease flare and cardiovascular comorbidities. Well-controlled patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus were studied, provided they were free from cardiovascular comorbidities and established cardiovascular disease. We additionally studied (a) a control group consisting of healthy volunteers and (b) a reference group including patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). MVs were measured using a standardized flow cytometry protocol. In a population of 74 participants, patients with ARDs (n = 17) presented increased levels of both endothelial (283.3 ± 195.0/μL vs 168.5 ± 54.8/μL, p = 0.029) and platelet MVs (374.0 ± 275.3/μL vs 225.7 ± 101.1/μL, p = 0.046) compared to controls (n = 34), whereas erythrocyte MVs did not significantly differ. In addition, patients with ARDs showed similar levels of endothelial MVs compared to CAD patients (n = 23) (283.3 ± 195.0/μL vs 297.0 ± 211.8/μL, p = 0.846). Platelet MVs were significantly associated with disease duration, and erythrocyte MVs with patients' perceived disease activity. In conclusion, increased levels of endothelial and platelet MVs may be evident in patients with ARDs, even in the absence of disease flares and before the establishment of cardiovascular complications. Levels of endothelial MVs resemble those of patients with profound atherothrombotic profile. The prognostic potential of MVs in terms of cardiovascular disease prevention warrants further investigation in patients with ARDs.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the data on the role of endothelial dysfunction and the impact of hypertension as a potent mediator of cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RECENT FINDINGS RA represents the most common autoimmune rheumatic disorder and is characterized by chronic systemic inflammation predisposing to cardiovascular complications. Cardiovascular mortality is increased among patients with RA and represents the leading cause of death. Although the exact prevalence is debated, hypertension is increased in RA. Hypertension acts synergistically with chronic inflammation and accounts, at least partially, for the increased cardiovascular morbidity in this group of patients. Endothelial dysfunction is considered a primary process in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases and contributes significantly to the development and progression of the associated micro- and macrovascular complications. Even though several studies in patients with RA have shown the presence of endothelial dysfunction with traditional methods, novel biochemical and vascular methods for the evaluation of endothelial dysfunction have been scarcely applied. In addition, it remains unclear whether and to which extent endothelial dysfunction in RA is present regardless of concomitant hypertension, even in well-controlled patients. Hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic systemic inflammation appear as a mutually reinforcing triad aggravating cardiovascular risk in patients with RA. Detection of endothelial dysfunction in patients with RA in the early stages further aiming at the development of novel therapeutic targets might contribute to prevention of cardiovascular complications and remains under investigation.
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Hypertension in rheumatic diseases: prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates according to current hypertension guidelines. J Hum Hypertens 2020; 35:419-427. [PMID: 32382031 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-020-0348-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases confer increased cardiovascular risk, which is at least partially mediated by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We examined the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension in a large cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases. Consecutive patients attending the Rheumatology Οutpatient Clinics were studied. Hypertension was defined by both the 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) guidelines and the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). In a total of 622 individuals, hypertension prevalence reached 54.5% according to the 2018 ESH/ESC guideline, with the highest rates observed in patients with osteoarthritis (69.6%), rheumatoid arthritis (60.9%), and psoriatic arthritis (57.8%). Among hypertensive individuals, 21.7% were unaware of high blood pressure levels, while 67.2% were treated. Only 48.6% of treated hypertensives reached the 2018 ESC/ESH treatment goals. Applying the 2017 ACC/AHA criteria would result in a substantial increase of hypertension prevalence (72.4%) for both genders and especially among younger individuals, accompanied by a dramatic drop in control rates among treated patients (16.7%). In conclusion, comorbid hypertension was highly prevalent in a large cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases according to ESH/ESC and especially, ACC/AHA guidelines. However, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in a significant portion, while control rates are far from optimal. Our findings highlight the importance of systematic screening and more aggressive treatment of hypertension among patients with rheumatic diseases.
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Anyfanti P, Gkaliagkousi E, Douma S. Oxygen therapy, capillary rarefaction and blood pressure rise in premature low birth weight infants: is there a link? J Hum Hypertens 2019; 33:821-823. [PMID: 31636351 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-019-0258-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anyfanti
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stella Douma
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Nailfold capillaroscopic changes in Egyptian patients with psoriatic arthritis in comparison to rheumatoid arthritis. THE EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGIST 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Anyfanti P, Triantafyllou A, Gkaliagkousi E, Zabulis X, Dolgyras P, Galanopoulou V, Aslanidis S, Douma S. Urinary albumin excretion in rheumatoid arthritis is not associated with markers of vasculopathy in distal microvascular beds. Microcirculation 2018; 26:e12514. [PMID: 30422357 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased UAE is a marker of generalized vascular damage in high-cardiovascular risk patients. However, it remains unknown whether it corresponds to a state of diffuse vasculopathy in high-risk patients with RA. METHODS UAE was estimated in 24-hour urine samples in RA and non-RA individuals. Retinal arteriolar and venular diameters were calculated from retinal images with computerized software. SEVR was estimated as an index of microvascular coronary perfusion with applanation tonometry. Dermal capillary density was measured from images obtained with nailfold capillaroscopy, using specifically designed software. RESULTS In a total of 111 individuals, neither UAE (5.1 [2.8-10.8] vs 6.5 [3.0-11.7] mg/24 h) nor prevalence of microalbuminuria (11.0% vs 8.1%) significantly differed between patients (n = 74) and controls (n = 37). In the RA group, UAE was not significantly associated with inflammation, nor with any of the studied microvascular indices of the retinal microvasculature, the coronary microcirculation, and the dermal capillary network. CONCLUSION Among RA patients, UAE was not associated with markers of vasculopathy in distal microvascular beds. Increased UAE in RA might be primarily considered as a manifestation of localized, compromised function of the renal microvasculature, rather than a marker of generalized microvascular impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Anyfanti
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Areti Triantafyllou
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Xenophon Zabulis
- Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Dolgyras
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Galanopoulou
- Rheumatology Department, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyros Aslanidis
- Rheumatology Department-2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stella Douma
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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