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02:28
Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic arthritis: a case-control study
Lihi Eder1, Devy Zisman, Menashe Barzilai
1Department of Internal Medicine, Carmel Medical Center, Lin Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. benlihi@gmail.com
The Journal of Rheumatology
|April 3, 2008
Summary
Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) show higher rates of subclinical atherosclerosis, indicated by increased carotid intima-media thickness and plaque. This suggests PsA itself contributes to atherosclerosis beyond traditional risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Cardiovascular disease is a significant concern in PsA patients.
- Subclinical atherosclerosis may precede clinical cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis.
- To compare atherosclerosis markers between PsA patients and matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with PsA and matched controls underwent carotid artery duplex scans.
- Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic plaque presence were evaluated.
- Carotid plaque index was calculated and analyzed.
Main Results:
- PsA patients exhibited significantly higher IMT and carotid plaque index compared to controls.
- PsA status, age, and triglyceride levels were independently associated with carotid plaque.
- Traditional risk factors were more common in PsA but not statistically significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- Psoriatic arthritis patients have an increased prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis.
- PsA contributes to atherosclerosis independently of traditional risk factors.
- Aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for PsA patients.
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