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Prevalence of Atherosclerosis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Bartłomiej Kisiel1, Robert Kruszewski2, Aleksandra Juszkiewicz3

  • 1Bartłomiej Kisiel, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Diseases and Rheumatology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warszawa, Poland.

Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|December 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients show higher rates of preclinical atherosclerosis compared to non-diabetic RA patients. Combined carotid and femoral ultrasonography did not enhance atherosclerosis detection in RA patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Diabetes mellitus further elevates cardiovascular risk.
  • The interplay between diabetes, RA, and subclinical atherosclerosis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the prevalence of preclinical atherosclerosis in diabetic versus non-diabetic RA patients.
  • To identify factors influencing atherosclerosis in RA.
  • To evaluate the utility of combined carotid and femoral ultrasonography for atherosclerosis detection.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 42 non-diabetic RA patients, 42 diabetic RA patients, and 42 controls.
  • Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) in carotid and femoral arteries.
  • Screening for atherosclerotic plaque in these vessels.

Main Results:

  • Diabetic RA patients exhibited a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaque compared to non-diabetic RA patients and controls.
  • Elevated carotid and femoral IMT were observed in diabetic RA patients versus controls.
  • Femoral IMT was also higher in diabetic RA patients compared to non-diabetic RA patients.
  • Carotid ultrasonography alone demonstrated comparable efficacy to combined carotid and femoral ultrasonography in detecting atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Diabetic RA patients have a greater burden of subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • Combined carotid and femoral artery ultrasonography does not offer improved detection of atherosclerosis in RA patients compared to carotid ultrasonography alone.
Abstract

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisDiabetes mellitusRheumatoid arthritis

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